



Book iilCL__ 



/l/k£^lu^ 




tA. 



i 

Paradise Lost 

A POEM IN TWELVE BOOKS 
By JOHN MILTON 




BOSTON 
HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY 






entered according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1869, hj 

HURD AND IIOUQHTOK, 

Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New 
York. 



May ^7. IIZI 



RIYBRaiBE, CAUBKISaB. 

STXKKOTTPED AND PRINTXD Bf 

H HOUOHTON AND COHPAHT. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



In this volume an attempt has been made tc 
present a neat and serviceable edition of ParEsdise 
Lost, provided witli brief explanatory notes. It is 
hoped that it may prove especially useful to a class of 
readers, in our schools and elscAvhere, who can relish 
Milton's poetry, but who have few formal books of 
reference. The notes which have been introduced 
serve to throw light on points of mythology, history, 
and geography, and on nice or obscure turns of ex- 
pression. Much advantage has been derived from 
the labors of English commentators, and the recent 
edition of Keightley (1859) has been constantly at 
hand. But these resources have not been drawn 
upon without discrimination ; and a great deal of 
independent labor has been applied, which is none 
the less real, that its results appear in a compact and 
summary form. For the comparison of parallel pas- 
sages the copious verbal index, which is so valuable 
a part of Cleveland's edition of the Poems of Milton, 
has been of great use. 

For the most part the modern spelling has been 
preferred. In some words, however, as for example, 



IV AD VER TI SEMEN T. 

in quire (choir), sovran, ammiral, lour, and partic- 
ularly in the initial syllables of certain compounds, 
the orthography of the old editions has been retained. 
In various instances the punctuation has been modi- 
fied, a liberty as to the text of the Paradise Lost 
which is quite justifiable. 

This edition has been prepared under the advice 
and with the assistance of Professor Torrey of Hai*- 
rard University. 

Cambridge. July, 1866 



LIFE OF MILTON. 



JoiiN Milton, the cauthor of Paradise Lost, was 
born in London on the ninth day of December, 1G08. 
His fother, John Milton, was a man of some learning 
and ability, and had been educated at Oxford. He 
there became a Protestant, and was in consequence 
disinherited by his father. He then established him- 
self in London, where he pursued the profession of a 
scrivener.^ 

The poet himself says, "I was born at liondon, of 
an honest fomily; my father was distinguished by the 
undeviating integrity of his life, my mother by the 
esteem in which she was held and the alms which 
ehe bestowed. My father destined me while yet a 
child to the study of polite literature, which I embraced 
with such avidity that from the twelfth year of my 
age I hardly ever retired to rest from my studies till 
midnight, Avhich was the first source of injury to my 
eyes, to the natural weakness of which were added 
frequent headaches; all of which not retarding my 
eagerness after knowledge, he took care to have 
me instructed daily both at school and by other mas- 
ters at home." His first tutor was a learned and 
pious clergyman, named Young, whom his pupil 
regarded with respect and affection. Milton was 

1 At that time a scrivener -^vas not merely a copjist, but wafl em- 
ployed to. draw up wills, bonds, and other legal contracts. 



Vi LIFE OF MILTON. 

Bent to St. Paul's School in London, and at the age 
of sixteen to Christ's College, Cambridge. Before en- 
tering the University, he had acquired some knowl- 
edge of Hebrew, and translated the 114th and llGth 
Psalms into English verse. 

Milton remained at Cambridge seven years. The 
Hymn on the Morning of Christ's Nati\'ity was writ- 
ten in, the winter of 1629, soon after ho had com- 
pleted his twenty-first year. He had originally intend- 
ed to enter the Church, but it was now torn by dissen- 
sions between the High Church party and the Puri- 
tans. The interest and sympathy of Milton were 
with the latter, while the former, now in power, 
required a submission which he could not yield. He 
therefore relinquished this design, and after leaving 
Cambridge passed five years at Horton, in Bucking- 
hamshire, to which place his father had removed 
from London. Here he spent his time in close and 
severe study, making occasional visits to London for 
the purpose of buying books or gaining instruction in 
mathematics or music, in the latter of which he was 
well skilled and took great delight. We are told 
that " he had a delicate, tunable voice," and Ije per- 
formed on both the organ and the bass-viol. In one 
of his letters from Horton he says, "It is my way 
to suffer no impediment, no love of ease, no avocation 
whatever, to chill the ardor, to break the continuity, 
or divert the completion of my literary pursuits." 
At Horton were probably written several of Mil- 
ton's shorter poems, — Arcades, Comus, Lycidas, 
L' Allegro, and II Penseroso. The charming de- 
scriptions of rural sights and sounds in these poems 
show the influence of his country life upon the mind 
of the poet. The Masque of Comus was presented 
at Ludlow Castle, the official residence of the Earl of 
Bridgewater, then Lord President of Wales and the 



LIFE OF MILTON. vii 

Marclies, in 1634. The actors were the sons of the 
Earl, and his daughter, Lady Alice Egerton. The 
story of the poem is said to have been founded on 
the circumstance of the Lady Alice having been not 
long before lost in passing through Haywood forest. 
The monody of Lycidas was composed on occasion 
of the death of Mr. Edward King, who had been 
Milton's friend and fellow-student at Cambridge, and 
was drowned in 1637 on his passage to L-eland. Of 
the otlier two poems, L' Allegro (the Cheerful, or 
the Cheerful Man) and 11 Penseroso (the Pensive 
or Thoughtful), the exact date cannot be ascertained. 
Of these even Dr. Johnson, Milton's most unfriendly 
critic, is compelled to acknowledge that " they are two 
noble efforts of imagination." 

The mother of the poet died in 1637, and the next 
year Milton left England to travel upon the Conti- 
nent. He stayed only a few days in Paris, where 
he was introduced to the celebrated Grotius. From 
France he proceeded to Italy, and passed some time 
in Florence, Rome, and Naples. He was on terms of 
intimacy with several Florentines well known as men of 
letters, and says himself, " Here it was that I found 
and visited the famous Galileo, grown old, a prisoner 
to the Inquisition for thinking in astronomy other- 
wise than the Franciscan and Dominican licensers 
thought." At Naples, Milton was treated with 
great kindness by Manso, Marquis of Villa, now an 
old man, who had been the finend and patron of the 
poet Tasso. The influence of this visit to Italy and 
acquaintance with its distinguished literary men and 
works may be traced in Milton's subsequent writings, 
particularly in Paradise Lost, though it was nearly 
thirty years later that this, his greatest work, waa 
Dublished. 

Milton had intended to proceed from Naplea to 



riii LIFE OF MILTON. 

Sicily and Greece, but hearing of the alarming state 
:iS: public affairs in England he relinquished his plan, 
" I deemed it," he says, " to be disgraceful for me to 
be idling .away my time abroad for my own gratifica- 
tion, while my countrymen were contending for their 
liberty." He did not, however, immediately return 
to England, but again visited Rome and Florence, 
and afterwards went to Venice, whence he proceeded 
to Geneva. He returned by way of Paris to Eng- 
land, after an absence of fifteen months. In giving 
an account of his travels, Milton writes, " I take God 
to witness that I lived, in all those places where so 
much license is given, free from and untouched by 
any kind of vice and infamy, continually bearing in 
mind that even if I could escape the eyes of men, I 
could not escape those of God." 

Milton was a republican in politics and an inde- 
pendent in religion. In the contest at that time raging 
in England between the King (Charles I.) and the Par- 
liament, he sided with the latter. He believed nei- 
ther in the divine right of kings nor in the authority 
of the Established Church, and considered it as lawful 
and right to oppose to the last extreme the despotic 
use of the king's prerogative and the efforts made by 
the primate, Archbishop Laud, to maintain High 
Church doctrines and observances. He did not, hov/- 
ever, take any active part in the contest. He says, 
" Things being in such a disturbed and fluctuating 
state, I looked about to see if I could get any place 
that would hold myself and my books, and so I took 
a house of sufficient size in the city (London) ; and 
there with no small delight I resumed my intermitted 
studies, cheerfully leaving the event of public affairs, 
first to God, and then to those to whom the people 
had committed that task." Here he received as pu- 
piia his two nephews, the sons of his sister JNlrs. Phil- 



LIFE OF MILTON. ^ 

lips, and also the sons of some of his friends. TbesG 
he instructed in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, as well 
as in mathematics and astronomy. His schohirs read 
to him every Sunday a portion of the New Testa- 
ment in Greek, which he explained to them. 

In the year 1641, all hopes of an accommodation 
between the king and the parliament being at an end, 
the opponents of Monarchy and P^piscopacy became 
bold, and Milton wrote and published several treatises 
in opposition to the doctrines of what he called 
" Prelaticall Episcopacy." 

In 1G43, he married Mary Powell, the daughter of 
Mr. Richard Powell of Forest Hill in Oxfordshire. 
Mr. Powell \vm of the king's party (or, in tlie lan- 
guage of the times, a cavalier), and the strict and 
pimple notions of Milton may have been distasteful to 
the daughter of a royalist and churchman. A few 
weeks after her marriage, she went to her father's 
house for a visit, and there remained, though repeat- 
edly urged by her husband to return. Milton was 
not of a temper to bear such an injury patiently, 
and his views with regard to the duty of obedience 
and subjection in a wife, as afterwards expressed in 
Bome passages of Paradise Lost, did not incline him 
to submission. He considered himself as having a 
right to divorce a wife so contumacious, and published 
several treatises on the subject of Divorce, which ga\e 
as great scandal to the Presbyterian clergy, then at 
the height of their influence, as his previous attacks 
u})on Episcopacy had done to the Bishops and High 
Church party. In the same year, 1644, he published 
his Tractate on Education and the Areopagitica, a 
Speech for the liberty of unlicensed Printing, which 
is held to be in elo(|uence and digni.ty the first in rank 
among his prose works. In 1645, a reconciliation was 
brought about between Milton and his wife. His 



£ LIFE OF MILTON. 

forgiveness of lier and her family seems to have been 
complete, for he soon after received Mr. Powell (who 
had suffered great losses in the civil Avar which was 
now going on), with his wife and children, into hia 
own house, where they remained for some months. 
After this, nothing further was published by Milton 
on the subject of Divorce. His wife died, probably 
in the year 1653, leaving three daughters. The poet 
was afterwards twice married, and his third wife 
Burvived him. It is supposed that no descendants of 
the poet remain. 

Charles I. was brought to trial and executed in 
1649, and Milton, whose views coincided with those 
of the party at that time in power (the Indepen- 
dents ^ having succeeded the Presbyterians in influ- 
ence), wrote a treatise to maintain the lawfulness of 
the king's execution. Royalty having been thus 
abolished, the government of the Commonwealth, as 
it was now called, was vested in a Council of State. 
The Latin language was used by them in their corre- 
spondence with foreign powers, and Milton was made 
their Secretary. The execution of Charles had 
excited the greatest indignation throughout Europe, 
and one of the most famous scholars of the time, 
best known by his Latinized name, Salmasius, pub- 
lished a famous treatise upholding the doctrine of the 
divine right of kings to rule without accountability to 
man. Milton was ordered by the Council to prepare 
an answer to Salmasius, and in 1650 appeared his 
celebrated Defenslo pro Populo Anglicano. But this 
labor caused the loss of his sight,^ which had before 
been greatly impaired, and soon after he became 

1 The Independents (also known as Congregationalists) held that 
every body of Chii^tiani? forming a church was competent to manage 
its own affah's, choose its own ministers, and decide disputed ques 
tiona, without refei-ence to bishops or presbyters 

a See Sonnet to Cyriac Skinner, page 15. 



LIFE OF MILTON. a 

totally blind. He continued, however, to bold the 
office of Secretary under Cromwell (Avho had possessed 
himself of the supreme power, and been made Lord 
Protector in 1653), and wrote state papers even up 
to the time of the Restoration. 

When, after .the death of Oliver Cromwell and 
the resignation of his son Richard, a return to mo- 
narchical government seemed unavoidable, Milton 
made a last effort in behalf of the republicanism to 
which he was always ardently attaclied, but it was of 
no avaih The tide had turned, and in 16G0 Charles 11. 
was restored to the throne. Miltou was for a time 
obliged to conceal himself, but influential friends ex- 
erted themselves for him, and, though some of his 
books were burned, he was spared. Of the manner 
of his life after this time we have some account 
from Ell wood, a young Quaker who had become ac- 
quainted with the poet. He writes, " John Milton, 
a gentleman of great note for learning throughout 
the learned world, having filled a public station in 
former times, lived now a private and retired life 
in London : and, having wholly lost his sight, kept 
always a man to read to him, which usually was the 
son of some gentleman of his acquaintance, whom in 
kindness he took to improve in his learning." In 
1665, Avhen the plague was raging In London, Milton 
took a small house at Chalfont in Buckinghamshire, 
where he remained, with his wife and daughters, till 
it was safe to return to London. At Chalfont he 
uhowed to Ellwood the manusciipt of Paradise Lost, 
which was published in 1067. Thirteen hundred cop- 
ies of the poem were sold In two years, and in 1669 a 
second edition was printed. When we consider the 
circumstances of the time and the political disfavor 
in which Milton stood, we must regard this as a fair 
measure of success, and the poet could hardly Iiave 



Xli LIFE OF MILTON. 

anticipated more when he wrote of the audieiice Jll 
though few that would attend his song. To more 
than few it must have been a delight, Ibr, to quote 
the words of one of his biogra[)hers, " As to the asser- 
tion of the poem being above the age in which it ap 
peared, we cannot regard it as correct ; the knowl- 
edge of the Scriptures, the classics, and the Italian 
poets, was probably greater at that time than it is at 
the present day ; and this is the knowledge requisite 
for understanding the Pciradise Lost," Criticism of 
this great poem would here be out of place ; its beau- 
ties and its blemishes must carry their own commenda- 
tion or condeumation. It was said by Dr. Johnson that 
Milton's " images and descriptions of the scenes or 
operations of JS'ature do not seem to be always copied 
from original form, nor to have the freshness, raci- 
ness, and energy of innncdiate observation. He 
saw Nature, as Diyden expresses it, through the spec- 
tacles of hooks ; " and, as has been maintained in our 
own times, described Nature like a blind man. It is 
true that Milton was bliiid, but he retained both 
memory and imagination, and numerous passages and 
hai)py touches as of an artist's pencil prove that it 
was not in vain that he had seen and loved Nature 
for nearly fifty years. The five years that he spent 
in Buckinghamshire at a period of life when the 
mind is most alive to external impressions, and the 
time that he passed in foreign travel and iinder 
Italian skies, must have stored his mind with pic- 
tures and images that it scarcely needed his genius 
to recall. He had not forgotten " the Etrurian 
shades," 

" Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose." 

In 1671 Milton published Paradise Regained, a 
poem generally regarded as inferior to Paradise 
Lost. But Milton himself did not so esteem it, and 



LIFE OF MILTON. xui 

»(ras disturbed at the expression of such opiulon. 
Coleridge says of it, " In its kind it is the most 
perfect poem extant," and Wordsworth, that it is 
" the most perfect in execution of anything written 
by Milton." Together with Paradise Regained was 
published Samson Agonistes, probably the last poem 
composed by Milton. It was after the mannei of the 
ancient Greek drama, and contains many noble pas- 
Bages. In 1673 Milton published an edition of his col- 
lected poems. During the last three yeai-s of his life, 
he also published some of his earlier and later prose 
works. 

Notwithstanding the strict temperance and reg- 
ularity of life which the poet seems always to have 
observed, he had been for many years afflicted with 
the gout. We are told by one of his biographei*s 
that " an ancient clergyman of Dorsetshire, Dr. 
Wright, found John Milton in a small chamber 
hung with rusty green, sitting in an elbow-chair, and 
dressed neatly in black ; pale, but not cadaverous, his 

hands and feet gouty, and with chalk-stones 

He used also to sit in a gray coaree cloth coat at the 
door of his house near Bunhill Fields, in warm sunny 
weather, to enjoy the fresh air ; and so, as well as in 
his room, received the visits of people of distinguished 
parts "as well as quality." His wife speaks of his 
dining alone with her in October, 1674, when he 
" talked and discoursed sensibly and well, and Avas very 
merry, and seemed to be in good health of body." On 
the 8th of the following month, November, he died 
quietly and without pain, having nearly completed his 
sixty-sixth year. He was buried in St. Giles's Church, 
and "the funeral was attended by all the author's 
leanied and great friends in London, not without a 
friendly concourse of the vulgar." A monument 
was erected to his memory in Westminster Abbey 
in 1737. 



riV LIFE OF MILTON-. 

Milton was of middle height, and It Is said that his 
deportment was affable, and his gait erect and manly, 
bespeaking courage and undauntedness. He had 
great personal beauty, and his complexion retained 
even In later life much of its freshness, and the 
appearance of his eyes was not affected by their blind- 
ness. His habits were simple, and ' music seems, 
especially in his latter years, to have been his chief 
recreation. He was to the end of his life a student 



TWO OF MILTON'S SONNETS 
I. 

On his Blindness. 

When I consider how my light is spent 
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, 
And that one talent, which is death to hide, 
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more hew. 
To sen-e therewith my j\Iaker, and present 
My true account, lest He returning chide; 
" Doth God exact day-Labor, light denied ? " 
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent 
That murmiu", soon repUes: "God doth not need 
Either man's work or his o\vn gifts : who best 

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state 
Is kmgly ; thousands at his bidding speed, 
And post o'er land and ocean mthout rest : 
They also sen'e who onlj stand and wait." 



To Cyriac Skinner. 

Cyriac, this three years day these eyes, though dear 

To outward new of blemish or of spot. 

Bereft of hght their seeuig have forgot; 
Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear 
Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year, 

Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not 

Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot 
Of heart or ho^je ; but stiU bear up and steer 
Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask ? 

The conscience. Friend, to have Lst *hem overplied 
In Liberty's defence, my noble task, 

Of which aU Eurcjie rings from side to side, 
rhis thought might lead me through the world's vain mjute 

Content though blind, had I no better guide. 



THE VERSE* 

The measure is English Heroic Yerse wiLhcmt 
i?ime, as that of Homer in Greek, and of Virgil in 
Latin; llime being no necessary Adjunct or true Or- 
nament of Poem or good Verse, in longer Works es- 
pecially, but the Invention of a barbarous Age to set 
off wretched matter and lame Meeter ; grac't indeed 
since by the use of some famous modern Poets carried 
away by Custom, but much to their own vexation, 
hindrance, and restraint, to express many things other- 
wise, and for the most part worse, then else they 
would have exprest them. Not without cause, there- 
fore, some both Italian and Spanish Poets of prime 
note have rejected Rime both in longer and shorter 
Works, as have also long since our best English 
Tragedies, as a thing of itself to all judicious eares 
triveal^nd of no true musical delight ; which consists 
only in apt Numbers, fit quantity of Syllables, and the 
sense variously drawn out from one verse into another, 
not in the jingling sounds of like endings, a fault 
avoyded by the learned Ancients both In Poetry and 
all good Oratory. This neglect then of Rime so Ht- 
tle is to be taken for a defect, though it may seem so 
perhaps to vulgar readers, that It rather is to be 
esteem'd an example set, the Crest in English, of ancient 
liberty recover'd to Heroic Poem from the troublcEOia 
and modern bondage of Rimeing 

*This was printed in the second title-page of the first edition, ai 
" a reason why the Poem rimes not." The original spelling is pre- 
Eerred. 



PAKADISE LOSl'. 



BOOK I. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

This first book proposes first, in brief, the whole subject, man's dis- 
obedience, and the loss thereupon of Paradise wherein he was 
placed ; then touches the prime cause of his fall, the serpent, ot 
rather Satan in the serpent ; who, revolting from God and draw- 
ing to his side many legions of angels, was, by the command of 
God, driven out of Heaven with all his crew into the great deep. 
Which action passed over, the poem hastes into the midst of 
things, presenting Satan with his angels now fallen into Hell, de- 
scribed here, not in the centre (for Heaven and Earth maj- be sup- 
posed as jet not made, certainly not yet accursed), but in a pltice 
of utter darkness, fitliest called Chaos: Here Satan, with his an- 
gels, lying on the burning lake, thunder-struck and astonished, 
after a certain space recovers as from confusion, calls up him who 
next in order and dignity lay by him ; they confer of their miser 
able fell. Satan awakens all his legions, who lay till then in the 
same manner confounded ; thej' rise ; their numbers, array of bat- 
tle, their chief leaders named according to the idols known after- 
wards in Canaan and the countries adjoining. To these Satan di- 
rects his speech, comforts them with hope yet of regaining Heaven ; 
but tells them lastly of a new world and new kind of creature to 
be created, according to an ancient prophecj- or report in Heaven ; 
(for that angels were long before this visible creation, was the opin- 
ion of many ancient Fathers). To find out the truth of this proph- 
ecy, and what to determine thereon, he refers to a full council. 
VThat his associates thence attempt. Pandemonium, the palaca 
of Satan, rises, suddenly built out of the deep : the infernal peers 
there sit in council. 

Of man's first disobedience and the fi-uit 
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste 

Lines 1 - 4. See Genesis iii. 2. mortal, causmg deacb 



PARADISE LOST. 



[Boob T 



Brought death into the world and all our woe, 

With loss of Eden, till one greater Man 

Restore us and regain the blissful seat, 

Sing, heavenly jNIuse ! that on the secret top 

Of Oreb, or o^ Piuai, didst iuspir** 

That shepherd, who first taught the cLossn seed 

In the beginning how the heavens and earth 

Rose out of Chaos : or, if Sion hill 

Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flowed 

Fast by the oracle of God, I thence 

Invoke thy aid to my adventurous song, 

That with no middle flight intends to soar 

Above the Aonian mount, while it pursues 

Tbings unattempted yet in prose or rhyme. 



10 



And chiefly thou, O Spirit, that dost prefer 
Before all temples the upright heart and pure. 
Instruct me, for thou know'st; thou from the first 
Wast present, and, with mighty wings outspread, 30 
Dove-like sat'st brooding on the vast abyss. 
And mad'st it pregnant : what in me is dark 



4. one greater Man. " For as 
in Adam all die, even so in Christ 
ghall all be made alive." 1 Cor- 
inthians XV. 22. 

6. secret .1 retired ; apart. See 
Exodus iii. 1; xix. 20; xx. 21; 
xxiv. 15-18. 

7. Of Oreb^i or of Sinai. Iloreb 
Is a summit of the ridge called 
Sinai, in the north-western part 
i\f Arabia, between the two gulfs 
of the Red Sea. 

8. That shepherd. " Now Mo- 
Bes kept the tlock of .Tethro, his 
father-in-law, the priest of Mid- 
Ian ; and he led the flock to the 
back side of the desert, and came 
to the moxmtain of God, even to 
Horeb." Ex. lii. 1. — tiie chosen 

eed, the Hebrews or Israelites. 
See 1 Chronicles xvi. 13. 

9. In the b.^nning. See Gen- 
bbIs i. 1 



10. Chaos, the state of confu 
siou in which matter is sxipposed 
to have existed before the Crea- 
tion. — Sion hill, one of the hilla 
of Jerusalem, usually called 
Mount Zion. 

11. Siloa''s brook. The pool of 
Siloam (see .John ix. 7) was on the 
south of Jerusalem. 

12. Fast bi/, close by. — the ora 
cle of Goil the Temple. 

15. the Aonian mount, Mount 
Helicon in Greece, the seat of the 
Muses, whence the Grecian p-oeti 
were supposed to draw their in 
spiration. It was situated id 
Aonia, a part of IJoeotia. 

21. " And the Spirit of God 
moved upon the face of t)ie wa^ 
ters." Gen. i. 2. — Dove-like 
"lie saw the Si>irit.of God, d» 
pcending like a dove " Matthew 
iii. 16. 



Book I.j PARADISE LOST. 8 

tllumme ; what is low, raise and support ; 

That to the height of this great argument 

[ may assert eternal Providence, 2g 

And justify the ways of God to men. 

Say first (for Heaven hides nothing from thy viow 
Nor the deep tract of Hell), say first Avhat cause 
Moved our grand parents in that happy state, 
Favored of Heaven so highly, to fall off go 

From their Creator and transgress his will 
For one restraint, lords of the world besides ? 
Who first seduced them to that foul revolt ? 
The infernal serpent ; he it was, whose guile, 
Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived 86 

The mother of mankind, what time his pride 
Had cast him out from Heaven, with all his host 
Of rebel angels, by whose aid, aspiring 
To set himself in glory above his peers, 
He trusted to have equalled the Most High, 40 

If he opposed ; and with ambitious aim 
Against the throne and monarchy of God 
Raised impious war in Heaven and battle proud, 
With vain attempt. Him the almighty Power 
Hurled headlong flaming from the ethereal sky, 45 
With hideous ruin and combustion, down 
To bottomless perdition, there to dwell 
In adamantine chains and penal fire, 
Who dui-st defy the Omnipotent to arms. 
Nine times the space that measures day and night 50 
To mortal men, he with his horrid crew 

24. arguvient^ subject. 45. the ethereal sky, heaven 

25. assert, maintain by proof. 4rt-49. See Book VI. 

26. justify, show to be ju.'^t. 4S. wlamnntme, made of ada- 
32. lords of the ivorUl besides, mant. the hardest substance, and 

Bee Gen. i. 26-28, and Gen. ii. 16, therefore not to be broken or de- 

17. Stroyed. 

SQ. what tirfie, yfhen. 49. MVio. The antecedent i( 

89. peers, equals. Him in line 44. 

44. Him. See line 34. 50 the space, the space of tima 



4 PARADISE LOST. [Book I 

Lay vanquished, rolling In the fiery gulf, 

Confounded though Immortal. But his doom 

Reserved him to more wrath ; for now the thought 

Both of lost ha})plness and lasting pain y 

Torments him. Hound he throws his baleful eyes, 

That witnessed huge affliction and dismay, 

Mixed v/Ith obdurate pride and steadfast hate. 

At once, as far as angels ken, he views 

The dismal situation waste and wild : go 

A dungeon horrible on all sides round 

As one great furnace flamed ; yet from those flames 

No light, but rather darkness visible 

Served only to discover sights of woe, 

Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace ^ 

And rest can never dwell, hope never comes 

That comes to all ; but torture without end 

Still urges, and a fiery deluge, fed 

With ever-burning sulphur unconsumed. 

Such place eternal justice had prepared «(j 

For those rebellious ; here their prison ordained 

In utter darkness, and their portion set 

As far removed from God and light of Heaven 

As from the centre thrice to the utmost pole. 

O hoAv unlike the place fi'om whence they fell ! jj 

There, the companions of his foil, o'erwhelmed 

With floods and whirlwinds of tempestuous fire, 

He soon discerns ; and, weltering by his side, 

One next himself in power and next In crime, 

Long after known in Palestine, and named qq 

Beelzebub : To whom the arch-enemy 

67. ivitnessed perhaps means 74. the centre^ the centre of th« 
in this place, testified ; expressed World, as described in Book "VII., 

69. A;f7i, know by setVng lines 224-231. 

62. .4s, like. 80. Palestine. Baalzebub oi 

64. discover, lay open ; show. Beelzebub was the god of Ekron 

68. urges, besets ; oppresses. a city of the Philistines, in Pal 
72. utter, outer. " Cast ye the estine 

anprofitable servant into outer 
darkness." Matt. xxv. 30. 



Book L] PARADISE LOST. 5 

(And thence in Pleaven called Satan), with bold 

words 
Breaking the horrid silence, thus began : 

"If thou beest he — but how fallen! how 
changed 
From him, who in the happy realms of light, 35 

Clothed with transcendent brightness, didst outshine 
Myriads though bright! — if he, whom mutual league, 
United thoughts and counsels, equal hope 
And hazard in the glorious enterprise, 
Joined with me once, now misery hath joined 90 

In equal ruin — into what pit thou seest 
From what height fallen, so much the stronger proved 
He with his thunder : and till then who knew 
The force of those dire arms ? Yet not for those, 
Nor what tlie potent victor in his rage 95 

Can else inflict, do I repent or change 
(Though changed in outward lustre) that fixed mind 
And high disdain from sense of injured merit. 
That with the Mightiest raised me to contend, 
And to the fierce contention brought along 100 

Innumerable force of spirits armed. 
That dui-st dislike his reign, and, me preferring, 
His utmost power with adverse power opposed. 
In dubious battle on the plains of Heaven, 
And shook his throne. AVhat thougli the field be lost ? 
All is not lost ; the unconcjuerable Avill, lotj 

And study of revenge, immortal hate, 
And courage never to submit or yield, 
And what is else not to be overcome ; 
That glory never shall his wrath or might no 

82. thence called Satan. The 101. forcr'^ forces. 

Hebrew word Satan means en«- 102. me prffurring, making me 

3iy or .idver.sary . first or leader, or choosing me 

87. if he. See line 84. ratiier. 

91. the break in this sentence 110. T/iai fijry, theglory of my 

<hows that its structure Ls iueom- submis.^ion. 
p:et«. 



6 PARADISE LOST [Boo» i 

Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace 

With suppliant knee, and deify bis power, 

VVlio from the terror of this grm so late 

Doubted his empire ; that were low indeed ! 

That were an ignominy and shame beneath jy 

This downfall ; since by fate the strength of godfl 

And this empyreal substance caimot fail ; 

Since, through experience of this great event, 

In arms not worse, in foresight much advanced, 

We may with more successful hope resolve 120 

To wage by force or guile eternal war. 

Irreconcilable to our grand foe. 

Who now triumphs, and in the excess of joy 

Sole reigning holds the tyranny of Heaven." 



So spake the apostate angel, though in pain, 
Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair; 
And him thus answered soon his bold compeer: 



126 



" prince, chief of many throned Powers, 
That led the embattled Seraphim to war 
Under thy conduct, and, in dreadful deeds 130 

Fearless, endangered Heaven's perpetual King, 
And put to proof his high supremacy, 
Whether upheld by strength, or chance, or fate ; 
Too well I see and rue the dire event. 
That with sad overthrow and foul defeat 13,(5 

Hath lost us Heaven, and all this mighty host 
In horrible destruction laid thus low. 
As far as gods and heavenly essences 



117. empipeal suhHance, angelic 129. embattled, ranged iu order 
nature. See II. 771 of battle. 

124. tyranny. The original 1.30. conrhict, leadership, 
meaning of this word is absolute 138. heavenly essences. See e?/j. 
rule. The poet here seems to join pyrtal substance, above, 
with it the idea which the word 
commonly conveys to us of, 
over. 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST. 1 

Can perish ; for the mind and spirit remains 

tnvincible, aad vigor soon returns, ijj 

Though all our glory extinct, and happy state 

Here swallowed up in endless misery. 

But what if he our conqueror (whom I now 

Of force believe almighty, since no less 

Than such could have o'erpowered such force as oui-s) 

Have left us this our spirit and strength entire, i46 

Strongly to suffer and support our pains ; 

That we may so suffice his vengeful ire, 

Or do him mightier service, as his thralls 

By right of war, whate'er his business be, jgo 

Here in the heart of Hell to work in fire, 

Or do his errands in the gloomy deep. 

What can it then avail, though yet we feel 

Strength undiminished, or eternal being 

To undergo eternal punishment ? " 155 

Whereto with speedy words the Arch-fiend replied : 

" Fallen Cherub, to be weak is miserable, 
Doing or suffering : but of this be sure, 
To do aught good never will be our task ; 
But ever to do ill our sole delight, iqc 

A.S being the contrary to his high will 
W^hom we resist. If then his providence 
Out of our evil seek to bring forth good, 
Our labor must be to pervert that end, 
And out of good still to find means of evil ; 2^ 

Which oft-times may succeed, so as perhaps 
Shall grieve him, if I fail not, and disturb 
His inmost counsels from their destined aim. 
But see ! the angry Victor hath recalled 

141. g-^or?/, brightness. See line 149. «/(m?/5, slaves. 

B7. 1.51. Hf^re, whether here. 

144. Of force believe, am com- To2. tiie gloomy derp. Chaos. 

pelled to believe. 167. if I fail not, unless I de- 

148. suffice, satisfy. ceive myself. 



8 PARADISE LOST [Book I 

His ministers of vengeance and pursuit 171 

Back to the gates of Heaven ; the sulphurous hail 

Shot after us In storm, o'er-blown, hath laid 

The fiery surge, that from the precipice 

Of Heaven received us falling ; and the thunder, 

Winged with red lightning and Impetuous rage, 175 

Perhaps hath spent his shafts, and ceases now 

To bellow through the vast and boundless deep. 

Let us not slip the occasion, whether scorn 

Or satiate fury yield It from our foe. 

Seest thou yon dreary plain, forlorn and wild, igo 

The seat of desolation, void of light, 

Save what the glimmering of these livid flames 

Casts pale and dreadful ? Thither let us tend 

From off the tossing of these fiery waves ; 

There rest. If any rest can harbor there, 186 

And, re-assembling our afflicted Powers, 

Consult how we may henceforth most offend 

Our enemy ; our own loss how repair ; 

How overcome this dire calamity ; 

What reinforcement we may gain from hope ; jgQ 

If not, what resolution from despair." 

Thus Satan, talking to his nearest mate, 
With head uplift above the Avave, and eyes 
That sparkling blazed ; his other parts besides 
Prone on the flood, extended long and large, 195 

Lay floating many a rood. In bulk as huge 
As whom the fables name of monstrous size, 
Titanian or Earth-born, that warred on Jove, 

372. Zfl'V/, beaten down. 197. whom, those whom. — tJu 

178. slip the occasion^ lose the fahleft, the fables of Grecian my 
ipportunity. thology. 

179. satiate, satiated. 198. Tilaviari or Earth-bom. 
183. is;j//, direct our course. whether Titans or Giants. Tht 
\86. afflicted, beaten do\vu. Giants were .sons of Eaitli. — 
192. t/ius, thus spoke. Jove, Jupiter or Zeus. 

195 prone, lying along. 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST. 9 

Briareos, or Typlion wliom the den 

By ancient. Tarsus held ; or that sea-beast jjqc 

Leviathan, which God of all his works 

Created hngest that swim the ocean stream: — 

Him, haply slumbering on the Norway foam, 

The pilot of some smiU night-formdered skiff 

Deeming some island, oft, as seamen tell, 205 

With fixed anchor in his scaly rind, 

Moors by his side under the lee, while night 

Invests the sea, and wished morn delays : — 

So stretched out huge in length the Arch-fiend lay, 

Chained on the burning lake, nor ever thence 210 

Had risen or heaved his head, but that the \vill 

And high permission of all-ruling Heaven 

Left him at large to his own dark designs, 

That with reiterated crimes he might 

Heap on himself damnation, while he sought 2I6 

Evil to others ; and enraged might see, 

How all his malice served but to bring forth 

Infinite goodness, grace, and mercy shown 

On man by him seduced, but on himself 

Treble confusion, wrath, and vengeance poured. 22c 

Forthwith upright he rears from off the pool 
His mighty stature ; on each hand the flames 
Driven backward slope their pointing spires, and, rolled 
In billows, leave In the midst a horrid vale. 
Then with expanded wings he steers his flight ^ 

Aloft, Incumbent on the dusky air, 
That felt unusual weight, till on dry land 
He lights. If it were land that ever burned 

199. Briareos was one of the 203. Imply, hy chance. 

Giants, described as having a 204. nighi-found>r(d,o\eTXa\«n 

hundred arms and fifty heads, and stopped by the darkness. 

T(//>/)on was a giant who breathed 207. vnder the ke, away from 

fire from a hundred heads. His the wind. 

den was in Cilicia, a part of Asia 208. Iiivest.<!, clothes as with S 

Minor, of whicli nndint Tarsus garment, 

^aft tht' capital. 211. //«-/, would hare. 

201. Leviathan, the whale 



10 PARADISE LOST. [Book I 

With solid as the lake with liquid fire, 

And such appeared in hue, as when the force 230 

Of subterranean wind transports a hill 

Torn from Pelorus, or the shattered side 

Of thundering ^tna, whose combustible 

And fuelled entrails, thence conceiving fire, 

Sublimed with mineral fury aid the winds, 23c 

And leave a singed bottom all involved 

With stench and smoke ; such resting found the sole 

Of unblest feet. Him followed his next mate. 

Both glorying to have scaped the Stygian flood 

As gods and by their own recovered strength, 2-4C 

Not by the sufferance of supernal power. 

" Is this the region, this the soil, the clime," 
Said then the lost Archangel, " this the seat. 
That we must change for Heaven ? this mournful 

gloom 
For that celestial light ? Be it so, since he 245 

Who now is sovran can dispose and bid 
What shall be right ; farthest from him is best 
Whom reason hath equalled, force hath made supreme 
Above his equals. Farewell, happy fields. 
Where joy forever dwells ! hail, horrors ! hail, 250 
Infernal world ! and thou, profoundest Hell, 
Receive thy new possessor, one Avho bi-ings 
A mind not to be changed by place or time. 
The mind is its own place, and in itself 
Can make a heaven of Hell, a hell of Heaven. 255 
What matter where, if I be still the same, 
And what I should be, all but less than he 

232. Pelorus is the north-east- 241. Not by the leave of heav 

em point of the island of Sicily. enly power. 

236. 5MW/??ie6/, changed into va- 246. so tra?;, sovereign, from the 

wr by heat. Italian " sovrano." 

_ 239. 5ca7?ec?, escaped. — the Slyg- 248. er/wa/Zerf, made equal. 

ian flood. According to Grecian 257. but less, except being less 
tnythology, tlie Styx was the chief 
river of the lower world 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST. 1] 

Whom tlumder liath made greater ? Here at least 

We shall be free ; the Almighty hath not built 

Here for his envy, Avill not drive us hence ; 26C 

Here we may reign secure ; and in my choice 

To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell ; 

Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven. 

But wherefore let we then our fliithful friends, 

The associates and copartners of our loss, 265 

Lie thus astonished on the oblivious pool, 

And call them not to share with us their part 

In this unhappy mansion, or once more 

With rallied arms to try what may be yet 

Regained in Heaven, or what more lost in Hell ?"27C 

So Satan spake, and him Beelzebub 
Thus answered : — " Leader of those armies bright, 
Which but the Omnipotent none could have foiled, 
If once they hear that voice, their liveliest pledge 
Of hopes in fears and dangers, heard so oft 276 

In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge 
Of battle when it raged, in all assaidts 
Their surest signal, they will soon resume 
New courage and revive, though now they lie 
Grovelling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, 280 

As we erewhile, astounded and amazed ; 
No wonder, fallen such a pernicious height I " 

He scarce had ceased, when the superior Fiend 
Was moving toward the shore ; his ponderous shield, 
Ethereal temper, massy, large, and round, 288 

Behind him cast ; the broad circumference 
Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb 
Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views 

260. for his envy, that he may to a right degree of hardness, in 

envj" us possession of this place. the purest element. 

2S2. /a//e7!, fallen through or 288. the Tuscan artist. Galileo, 

from. of Florence in Tuscany, was the 

285. Ethereal temper, of hear- first who turned the 0/5/ /cj'iass, or 

enly make ; tempered, or formed telescoxte, to the heavens. He was 



12 PARADISE LOST. [Book I 

At evening, from the top of Fesole, 

Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands," 29C 

Rivers, or mountains in her spotty globe. 

His spear (to equal wlilch the tallest pine 

Hewn on Norwegian hills to be the mast 

Of some great ammiral were but a wand) 

He walked with, to support uneasy steps 295 

Over the burning marie, not like those steps 

On Heaven's azure ; and the torrid clime 

Smote on him sore besides, vaulted Avith fire. 

Nathless he so endured, till on the beach 

Of that inflamed sea he stood, aiid called goo 

His legions, angel-forms, who lay intranced. 

Thick as autumnal leaves that strew the brooks 

In Vallombrosa, where the Etrurian shades 

High over-arched imbower ; or scattered sedge 

Afloat, when with fierce winds Orion armed 30f 

Hath vexed the Red-Sea coast, whose waves o'erthrew 

Busiris and his INIemphian chivalry, 

While with perfidious hatred they pursued 

The sojourners of Goshen, who beheld 

From the safe shore their floating carcasses 31Q 

And broken chariot-wheels ; so thick bestrown, 

contemporary with Miltoa. — ar- death was placed among the stars 

tist, one skilled in science. where he appears with sword an<J 

289. Fesole, Fiesole, near Flor- holt. The setting of the constel- 
ence. lation of Orion opposite to the Sua, 

290. Valdarno, or Val d'Arno, in November, was usujilly attend- 
the valley of the river Arno, on ed with winds and storms. 
»rhich Florence is situated. 307. Busiris, Pharaoh. — Me7n- 

294. nmmirnl, from the Italian 77/; /rt/i, Egyptian ; Memphis being 

" amminiglio," admiral. This a chief city of ancient Egypt. — 

word was sometimes used to de- cliii-alry, horsemen ; those who 

note the principal vessel in a fleet, use horses in fight, 

the ship which carried the admi- 308. tkey pursued. See Ex. xiv. 

fal. 309. t'lfl sojourners of Goshen, 

299. Nathless, nevertheless. the Israelites, who, M'hen they 

303. Vallombrosa, a wooded val- dwelt in Egypt, inhabited a dis- 

fey in Tuscany (anciently called trict called Goshen. — ivhn beheld. 

Btruria), about eighteen miles " And Israel saw the Egyptiani 

from Florence. de:id upon the sea-shore." Bx 

305. Orion armed. Orion was xiv. 30. 
a giant hunter, who after his 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST. 18 

Abject and lost lay these, covering the flood, 

Under amazement of their hideous change. 

He called so loud, that all the hollow deep 

Of Hell resounded ; — " Princes, Potentates, 815 

Warriors, the flower of Heaven — once yours, now 

lost — 
If such astonishment as this can seize 
Eternal spirits : — or have ye chosen this place 
After the toil of battle to repose 
Your wearied virtue, for the ease you find 83C 

To slumber here as in the vales of Heaven ? 
Or in this abject posture have ye sworn 
To adore the conqueror, who now beholds 
Cherub and Seraph rolling in the flood 
With scattered arms and ensigns ; till anon 825 

His swift pursuers from Heaven-gates discern 
The advantage, and descending tread us down 
Thus drooping ; or with linked thunderbolts 
Transfix us to the bottom of this gulf? 
Awake, arise, or be forever fallen I '* 830 

They heard and were abashed, and up they sprung 
Upon the wing ; as when men wont to watch, 
On duty sleeping found by whom they dread, 
Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake. 
Nor did they not perceive the evil plight 836 

In which they were, or the fierce pains not feel ; 
Yet to their general's voice they soon obeyed. 
Innumerable. As when the potent rod 
Of Amram's son, in Egypt's evil day. 
Waved round the coast up called a pitchy cloud 840 
Of locusts, warping on the eastern wind, 

312. Abject, cast down; over- 325. anon, presently ; soon. 
Ihrown. 335. Nor did they not perceive^ 

317. astonishment, confusion of and they did perceive. 

mind ; dismay. 339. Amram^s s-on, Moses. See 

318, 322. or — or, either — or. Ex. x. 13. 

320. rjVi»e, strength; vigor. — 341. warping, proceeding with 
J or, for the sake of. a waving motion. 



14 PARADISE LOST. [Book I. 

That o*er the realm of impious Pharaoh hung 

Like night, and darkened all the land of Nile : 

So numberless were those bad angels seen 

Hovering on wing under the cope of Hell, S4i 

'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding fires ; 

Till, as a signal given, the uplifted spear 

Of their great Sultan waving to direct 

Their course, in even balance down they light 

On the firm brimstone, and fill all the plain : 36C 

A multitude, like which the populous North 

Poured never from her frozen loins, to pass 

Rhene or the Dan aw, when her barbarous sons 

Came like a deluge on the South, and spread 

Beneath Gibraltar to the Libyan sands. 355 

Forthwith, from every squadron and each band, 

The heads and leaders thither haste where stood 

Their great commander ; godlike shapes, and forms 

Excelling human, princely Dignities, 

And Powers that erst in Heaven sat on thrones ; 360 

Though of their names in heavenly records now 

Be no memorial, blotted out and razed 

By their rebellion from the books of life. 

Nor had they yet among the sons of Eve 864 

Got them new names ; till, wandering o'er the earth, 

Through God's high suiferance for the trial of man, 

By falsities and lies the greatest part 

Of mankind they corrupted to forsake 

God their Creator, and the invisible 

Glory of him that made them to transform 87C 

Oft to the image of a brute, adorned 

With gay religions full of pomp and gold, 

345. the cope, the roof, or arch.. 355. Beneath, to the south of 

348. Sultan, sovereign. — the Libyan sands, the deserts 

35c(. Rliene or the Danaw, the of Africa. 

Rhine or the Danube. — Aer bar- 360. erst, formerly. 

iarom sons, the tribes from SGG. sufferance. See line 241 

northern Europe, Goths, Van- 369-371. See Rom. i. 23. 

dais, Huns, and others, who over- 372. religiotis^ religious rites. 

^n the Roman empire. 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST. 15 

And devils to adore for deities : 

Then were they known to men by various names 

And various idols through the heathen world. 871 

Say, Muse, their names then -known, who first, wb« 
last, 
Roused from the slumber on that fiery couch. 
At their great Emperor's call, as next in worth 
Came singly where he stood on the bare strand, 
While the promiscuous crowd stood yet aloof. 380 

The chief were those who, from the pit of Hell 
Roaming to seek their prey on Earth, durst fix 
Their seats long after next the seat of God, 
Their altars by his altar, gods adored 
Among the nations round, and durst abide 385 

Jehovah thundering out of Sion, throned 
Between the Cherubim ; yea, often placed 
Within his sanctuary itself their shrines, 
Abominations ; and with cursed things 
His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned, 390 

And with their darkness durst affront his light. 

First Moloch, horrid king, besmeared with blood 
Of human sacrifice and parents' teare, 
Though, for the noise of drums and timbrels loud. 
Their children's cries unheard, that passed through 
fire 305 

To his grim idol. Him the Ammonite 

375. idols, images. 391. affront, face. 

876. then. See Une 374. 392. First Moloch. His grim 

380. the promiscuous crowd, {"he idol is described as a hollow im- 

mass undistinguished by partic- ageof brass, heated by fires below, 

olar names. and having the arms extended 

383. the seat of God, the tem- downwards. The victims are said 

pie at Jerusalem. to have been laid on these, whence 

385 durst abide, dared to en- they rolled into the tiames below. 

counter. This is called in the Old Testa- 

387. Between the Cherubim, ment, " making their children 

•' Thou that dwellest between tho pass through the fire." See 3 

sherubims." Psalms Ixxx. 1, Kings xxiii. 10 

387-391. See Ezekiel viii. 396-399. The Ammonites dwelt 



16 PARADISE LOST. [Boot I. 

Worshipped In Rabba and her watery plain, 

In Argob and In Basan, to the stream 

Of utmost Arnon. Nor content with such 

Audacious neighborhood, the wisest heart 400 

Of Solomon he led by fraud to build 

His temple right against the temple of God, 

On that opprobrious hill ; and made his groA'e 

The pleasant valley of Hinnom, Tophet thence 

And black Gehenna called, the type of Hell. 406 

Next Chemos, the obscene dreatl of Moab's sons, 

From Aroer to Nebo and the wild 

Of soLithmost Abarim ; In Hesebon 

And Horonaim, Seon's realm, beyond 

The flowery dale of Sibma clad with vines ; 410 

And Eleale to the Asphaltic pool : 

Peer his other name, when he enticed 

Israel in Sittim, on their mai'ch from Nile, 

To do him wanton rites, which cost them woe. 

Yet thence his lustful orgies he enlarged 416 

Even to that hill of scandal, by the grove 

Of Moloch homicide, lust hard by hate ; 

on the east of the Jordan, but not or tambourine. In latei' times it 

BO far to the north as the river Ar- was called Gehenna^ and this word 

aon. Basan, or Bashan, and Ar- was used by the Jews to express 

gob belonged to the Ammonites, the place of future punishment. 

Rabba, or Kabbah, was the chief 406. Chemos, or Chemosh, also 

city of the Ammonites, situated in mentioned in 1 Kings xi., as " the 

a, well-watered valley, and some- abomination of Moab" ; Peor (or 

times called the City of Waters. Baal-peor) his other nayne. 

See 2 Samuel xii. 27. 407-411. These places were in 

400-403. See 1 Kings xi. 1-8. — the country of the Moabites, sit- 

right against, opposite to, on the uated to the east of the Dead Sea, 

Mount of Olives ; called, there- or Asphaltic pool. — Abarim was 

foie, that opprobrious hill, and a mountain range east of the Jor- 

%ft^vvi3ii<is, that hill of scandal a,u(i dan, of which Nebo appears to 

offensive mountain. have been a part. — Hesebon, 

404. Hinnom. The Valley of Heshbon. See Isaiah xvi. 8, 9. — 

Hinnom was on the south of Je- Seon, Sihon. 

rusalem, and it was there that 413. Sittim, Shittim, the plai?e 

children were sacrificed to Mo- of the last encampment of the I s- 

loch. It is said that drums were raelites before they crossed the 

beaten or timbrels sounded to Jordan. It was here that " Israel 

irown their cries, whence the joined himself unto Baal-peor." 

place was called Tophet, from the 417. homicide, deUghting in 

Hebrew word ioph, a kind of dnim humar* victims. — Lust is repre- 



Boox I] PARADISE LOST. 17 

Till good eTosiah drove tliein thence to Hell. 

With these came they, Avho, from the bordering flood 

Of old Euphrates to the brook that parts 42C 

Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names 

Of Baalim an<l Ashtarotli, those male, 

These feminine : for spirits when they please 

Can either sex assume, or both ; so soft 

And uncompounded is their essence pure, 425 

Not tied or manacled with joint or limb, 

Nor founded on the brittle strength of bone:?, 

Like cumbrous flesh ; but In what shape they choose, 

Dilated or condensed, bright or obscure, 

Can execute tlieir aery purposes, 430 

And works of love or enmity fulfil. 

For those the race of Israel oft forsook 

Their living Strength, and unfrequented left 

His righteous altar, bov.ing lowly down 

To bestial gods ; for which their heads, as low 436 

Bowed down In battle, sunk before the spear 

Of despicable foes. With these In troop 

Came Astoreth, whom the Phoenicians called 

Astarte, queen of heaven, with crescent liorns ; 

To whose bright image, nightly by the moon, 440 

SIdonian virgins paid their a-ows and songs ; 

In Sion also not unsung, Avhere stood 

Her temple on the offensive mountain, built 

By that uxorious king, whose heart, though large 

Beguiled by fair Idolatresses, fell 445 

To Idols foul. Thammuz came next behind, 

Whose annual w^ound In Lebanon allured 

The Syrian damsels to lament his fate 

lented by Chemos or Peor, and 441. Sirfojiian virgins. Sidoa 

hate by Moloch. was a chief city of Phoenicia, on 

418. Sec 2 Kings xxiii. 10-14. the northwest of Palestine. 

419- i'"'!/, Syrian gods. 444. " Largeness of h«art " 18 

422. Baalim and Ashtnroth, mentioned among the gifts be- 

the plural of Baal and Astoreth. stowed upon Solomon. 1 Kin^-s 

430. aerij, from the Latin iv. 29. ° 

"^';i*l5e f ii"- 446-452. Tlmmmiiz is supposed 

**' ^ -■> See Judges ii. 11-15. to hare been the Phoenician Ado- 



18 PARADISE LOST. [Book L 

In amorous ditties all a summer's day, 

While smooth Adonis from his native rock 4M 

Ran purple to the sea, supposed with blood 

Of Thammuz yearly wounded : the love tale 

Infected Slon's daughters with like heat, 

Whose wanton passions In the sacred porch 

Ezeklel saw, when, by the vision led, 466 

His eye surveyed the dark idolatries 

Of alienated Judah. Next came one 

Who mourned In earnest, when the captive ark 

Maimed his brute Image, head and hands lopped off 

In his own temple, on the grunsel edge, 460 

Where he fell flat and shamed his worshippers : 

Dagon his name ; sea monster, upward man 

And downward fish ; yet had his temple high 

Reared in Azotus, dreaded through the coast 

Of Palestine, in Gath and Ascalon 465 

And Accaron and Gaza's frontier bounds. 

Him followed RImmon, whose delightful seat 

Was fair Damascus, on the fertile banks 

Of Abana and Pharphar, lucid streams : 

He also against the house of God was bold ; 470 

A leper once he lost, and gained a king, 

Aliaz his sottish conqueror, whom he drew 

God's altar to disparage and displace 

For one of Syrian mode, whereon to burn 

His odious offerings, and adore the gods 476 

Whom he had vanquished. After these appeared 

A crew, who under names of old renown, 

Osiris, Isis, Orus, and their train, 

With monstrous shapes and sorceries abused 

nip, who wa3 said to die and re- 460. grunsel et/g'C, threshold, oi 

vive again every year. His death groundsill. 

was annually commemorated. 464-466. These places were in 

The river Adonis flowed from the land of the Philistines, on the 

ilount Tiebanon to the sea. coast of Palestine. — Accaron, Ek 

455. Eze.k.A saw. See Eaek. ron. 

rlii. 467^71. The account of the 

459. Ilia bruie image. Seel Sam. leper is found in 2 Kings v., and 

V 1-6. of the king in 2 Kings xvi 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST. 19 

Fanatic Egypt and her priests, to seek 480 

Their wandering gods disguised in brutish forms 

Rather than human. Nor did Israel scape 

The infection, when their borrowed gold composed 

The calf in Oreb ; and the rebel king 

Doubled that sin in Bethel and in Dan, 485 

liikening his Maker to the grazed ox, 

Jehovah, who, in one night, when he passed 

From Egypt marching, equalled with one stroke 

Both her first-born and all her bleating gods. 

Belial came last, than whom a spirit more lewd 490 

Fell not from Heaven, or more gross to love 

Vice for itself: to him no temple stood, 

Or altar smoked ; yet who more oft than he 

In temples and at altars, when the priest 

Turns atheist, as did Eli's sons, Avho fdled 48ft 

With lust and violence the house of God ? 

In courts and palaces he also reigns, 

And in luxurious cities, where the noise 

Of riot ascends above their loftiest towers. 

And injury and outrage ; and when night 500 

Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons 

Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine. 

Witness the streets of Sodom, and that night 

In Gibeah, when the hospitable door 

Exposed a matron, to avoid worse rape. 606 

These were the prime in order and in might ; 
The rest were long to tell, though far renowned, 

482. scape, escape. ing gods. Among the Egyptian 

4S3. borrowed. See Ex. xii. 35, deities were Amnion and Mendea, 

86. the former a ram, the latter a 

484. The calf in Oreb. See Ex. goat. 
zxxii. — the rebel king, Jeroboam. 492. to him no temple stood. 

Bee 1 Kings xii. There is no mention in the Old 

486. grazed ox. "Thus they lestjinient of a god named Belial, 

changed their g.ory into the si but \vicked men are called "eon* 

nilitude of an ox that eateth of Belial." 
grass." Ps. cvi. 20. 602. Jtoion, flushed, or floodtxi 

4^%. equalled. See line 248. 507. twre, (it) would b«. 

489. SeeEx.xii.29. — AerWftU- 



20 



PARADiSE LOUT. 



[Book 1 



The Ionian gods, of Javan's issue held 

Gods, yet confessed later than Heaven and Earth, 

Their boasted parents : Titan, Heaven's first bom, 

With his enormous brood, and birthright seized 511 

By younger Saturn ; he from mightier Jove 

(His own and Rhea's son) like measure found ; 

So Jove usurping reigned. These first in Crete 

And Ida known, thence on the snowy top 5ifi 

Of cold Olympus ruled the middle air. 

Their highest heaven ; or on the Delphian cliff, 

Or in Dodona, and through all the bounds 

Of Doric land ; or who with Saturn old 

Fled over Adria to the Hesperian fields, 520 

And o'er the Celtic roamed the utmost isles. 



All these and more came flocking; but with looks 
Downcast and damp ; yet such wherein appeared 



508. Tlie Ionian s:ods, the gods 
worshipped by the Ionian Greeks. 
— Javan w.a.s the sou of .laphet, 
and grandson of Noah. His de- 
scendants are supposed to have 
peopled the coasts of Asia Minor 
and Greece. — of, by. — held, held 
as. 

509. confessed later, confessed 
to be later, being fabled to have 
been children of Uranus, Heaven, 
and Ge, Earth. 

510-514. There were twelve Ti- 
tKans, Heaven^s first born. The 
youngest of these, Saturn or Kro- 
nos, deprived his father Uranus 
of his power, and was in his turn 
dispossessed by onightierJove (Ju- 
piter or Zeus), his own and lihea^s 
son. 

513. like measure, similar treat- 
ment. 

514. Crete, now called Candia, 
an island south of Greece, was 
the birthplace of Jupiter. He 
was said to have been brought up 
in a cave of Mount Ida, which 
was in the centre of the island. 

616. Olympus, the seat of the 
gods, was in northern Greece. 



617. the Delphian cliff. The 
celebrated temple and oracle of 
Apollo were at Delphi, on Mourt 
Parnassus. 

518. Dodona, in the western 
part of Greece, was a grove, from 
which answers were given to those 
who came to consult the oracle- 
It was sacred to Jupiter. 

519. Doric land, Greece, or 
that part of Greece peopled by 
the Dorians, an important race. 
— tvho, those of them who. 

520. Fled. Saturn is said to 
have fied to Italy, and re:gned 
there, after his defea*^ and over- 
throw by Jupiter. — Adria, the 
Adriatic Sea, between Greece and 
Italy. See Acts xxvii. 27. — 
Hesperian, ItaUan ; to the west, 
from Hesperus, the evening star. 

521. the Celtic, probably a Greek 
idiom, meaning the Celtic land; 
ancient Gaul. — roamed, wand- 
ered over. — the utmost isles, Brit- 
ain, or the British Isles. — ut- 
most, furthest. 

523. svch wherein appeared 
looks such that in them appeared 



BookL] paradise lost. ~ .?J 

Obscure some glimpse of joy to have found their chief 

Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost 525 

In loss itself; which on his countenance cast 

Like doubtfid hue : but he his wonted pride 

Soon recollecting, with high words, that bore 

Semblance of Avorth not substance, gently raised 

Their fainting courage and dispelled their fears. 630 

Then straight commands that, at the warlike sound 

Of trumpets loud and clarions, be upreared 

His mighty standard : that proud honor claimed 

Azazel as his right, a Cherub tall ; 

Who forthwith from the glittering staff unfurled 535 

The imperial ensign, which, full high advanced, 

Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind, 

With gems and golden lustre rich emblazed, 

Seraphic arms and trophies ; all the while 

Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds : 640 

At which the uniAcrsal host up sent 

A shout that tore Hell's concave, and beyond 

Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night. 

All in a moment through the gloom were seen 

Ten thousand banners rise Into the air, 646 

With orient colors waving ; witli them rose 

A forest huge of spears ; and thronging helm 

Appeared, and serried shields in thick array 

Of depth immeasurable : anon they move 

Fn perfect phalanx to the Dorian mood 550 

Of flutes and soft recorders ; such as raised 

To height of noblest temper heroes old 

Arming to battle, and instead of rage 

527. like, the same. 549. anon. See line 325. 

528. recollecting, collecting a- 550. Dorian mood, or mode, 
gain ; recovering. the martial measure or music to 

531. 5«ra^§-/(/, .straightway. whv.h the Dorian.^, particularly 

53S. finblazeii, emblazoned ; the Sp.artans, moved. They al- 

Dainted or adorned with figures. ways drew up their troops in plia- 

543. leign, kingdom. lanx. 

546. orient, bright. 651. recorders, instrumenfe re- 

548. srrni-'l, pressed close, or sembling flageolets. 

locked together. 



22 " PARADISE LOST. [Booxl, 

Deliberate valor breathed, firm and unmoved 

With dread of deatli to flight or foul retreat ; 6U 

Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage 

With solemn touches troubled thoughts, and chase 

Anguish and doubt and fear and sorrow and pain 

From mortal or immortal minds. Thus they. 

Breathing united force, with fixed thought, 530 

Moved on in silence to soft })ipes that charmed 

Their painful steps o'er the burnt soil ; and now 

Advanced in view they stand, a horrid front 

Of dreadful length and dazzling arms, in guise 

Of warriors old, with ordered spear and shield, 605 

Awaiting what command their mighty chief 

Had to Impose : he through the armed files 

Darts his experienced eye, and soon traverse 

The whole battalion views, tlieir order due, 

Their visages and stature as of gods ; 670 

Their number last he sums. And now his heart 

Distends with pride, and hardening in his strength 

Glories ; for never, since created man. 

Met such embodied force as named with these 

Could merit more than that small infantry 675 

Warred on by cranes ; though all the giant brood 

Of Phlegra with the heroic race were joined 

That fought at Thebes and Ilium, on each side 

Mixed with auxillar gods ; and whai resounds 

554. wnwiDverf, not to be moved. 573. since created mjn, since 

556. swage, assuage. man was created. 

563. horrid, perhaps here, as in 575. that small infnntrj/, tho 

the Latin " horridus," bristling. Pygmies, a fabulous people, little 

565. ordered, in due order, the more than a foot in height, who 

shield on the left arm. and the dwelt on the sea-shoi-e, and wer»< 

Bpear erect in the right hand. attacked by cranes every spiiug. 

568. traverse, through and 577. Phlegra. a plain in 3iace- 

through. donia, in which the rebellious 

572. his, probably its. His was Gi.mts perished, 

the original po.ssessive of " it," as 578. Thebes and lliinn. Allu- 

well as of" he," as is seen in our sion is made to the ^\'ar of the 

translation of the Bible. See Gen. Seven against Thebes in Grtece 

i. 11. : '' The fruit tree yielding and to the Trojan War. In the 

fruit after his kind." See line latter, heroes fought, assisted by 

673. gods. — Ilium, Troy. 



Book I.J PARADISE LOST. 23 

In fable or romance of Other's son, 680 

Begirt with British and Anuorlc knights; 

And all who since, baptized or infidel, 

Jousted in Aspramont or Montalban, 

Daniaseo or Morocco or Trebisond, 

Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore, 58f 

When Charlemain with all his peerage fell 

By Fontarabbla. Thus far these beyond 

Compare of mortal prowess, yet observed 

Their dread commander : he, above the rest 

In shape and gesture proudly eminent, 690 

Stood like a tower; his form had not yet lost 

All her original brightness, nor appeared 

Less than Archangel ruined and the excess 

Of glory obscured : as when the sun new risen 

Looks through the horizontal misty air, o95 

Shorn of his beams ; or from behind the moon, 

In dim eclipse, disastrous twilight sheds 

On half the nations, and with fear of change 

Perplexes monarclis ; darkened so, yet shone 

Above them all the Archangel : but his face 600 

Deep scars of thunder had intrenched, and care 

Sat on his faded cheek, but under brows 

Of dauntless courage and considerate pride, 

580. Uther^s son, King Arthur. 587-589. These, although in 

581. Arnioric, of Armorica or prowess above all comparison with 
Brittany, in the northwest of any heroes of mortal birth, yet 
France. _ watched and obeyed their dread 

682. infidel, unbelieving, commander, 

whether Pagan or Mohammedan. 595. horizontal, near the hori- 

583-587. These are namrs of zon. 

places mentioned in very old I'o- 597. disastrous, announcing 

mances. Some of them are found disaster. An eclip.<:e has always 

In the poem of "Orlando Furi- be^n sup-posed by the ignorant 

oso," which describes the adven- and superstitious to threaten 

tures of the Brave llolan<l, cue of some great calamity, 

the knights of Charlemain, Char- 599. darkened so, although sc 

lemagne. — Biserta was in the liirkened. 

north of Africa. Fontarabia (as 6'Jl. intrenched, furrowed; cut 

common];; spelled) is in northern with deep lines. 

Spain. At Iloncesvalles, in tlie 603. considerate, deliberatiug ; 

northeastern part, in a celebrat- planning. 
«d battle, his pteta^e fell, but not 
Charlemange himself. 



H rAUADISE LOST. [Bock t 

Waiting revenge ; crnsl his eye, but cast 

Signs of remorse and passion to behold qoi 

The fellows of his crime, the followers rather, 

Far other once beheld in bliss, condemned 

Forever now to have their lot in pain ; 

Millions of spirits for his fault amerced 

Of Heaven, and from eternal splendors flung gio 

For his revolt, yet filthfiil how they stood. 

Their glory withered : as when heaxen's fire 

Hath scathed the forest oaks or mountain pines. 

With singed top their stately growth though bare 

Stands on the blasted heath. He now prepared 615 

To speak ; whereat their doubled ranks they bend 

From wing to wing, and half enclose him round 

With all his peers : attention held them mute. 

Thrice he essayed, and thrice, in spite of scorn, 

Tears, such as angels weep, burst forth ; at last o*20 

Words Interwove with sighs found out their way. 

" myriads of immortal Spirits, O Powei-s 
Matchless but with the Almighty, and that strife 
Was not inglorious, though the event Avas dire, 
As this place testifies, and this dire change 626 

Hateful to utter : but what power of mind, 
Foreseeing or presaging, from the depth 
Of knowledge past or present, could have feared 
How such united force of gods, how such 
As stood like these, could ever know repulse ? 680 

For who can yet believe, though after loss, 
That all these puissant legions, whose exile 
Hath emptied Heaven, shall fail to reascend 
Self-raised, and repossess their native seat ? 
For me be witness all the host of Heaven 63fi 

If counsels different, or danger shunned 

605. />a.ss«o», feeling; compas- Qll. yet faithful hoio they stood. 

lion. This depends on behold in line 605 

609. amerced, deprived ; pun- 636. different, varying, 
isbed by loss. 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST. 25 

By me, hare lost our liopcs : but he who reigns 

Monarch in Heaven, till then as one secure 

Sat on his throne, upheld hy old repute, 

Consent, or custom, and his regal state 640 

Put forth at full, but still his strength concealed. 

Which tempted our attempt and wrought our fall. 

Henceforth his might we know, and know our own, 

So as not either to provoke, or dread 

New war provoked ; our better part remains 646 

To work in close design, by fraud or guile. 

What force effected not ; that he no less 

At length from us may find, who overcomes 

By force hath overcome but half his foe." 

Space may produce new worlds ; whereof so rife 650 

Tiiere went a fame in Heaven, that he ere long 

Intended to create ; and therein plant 

A generation, whom his choice regard 

Should favor equal to the sons of Heaven : 

Thither, if but to pry, shall be perhaps 655 

Our first eruption, thitber or elsewhere ; 

For this infernal pit shall never hold 

Celestial spirits in bondage, nor the abyss 

Long under darkness cover. But these thoughts 

Full counsel must mature. Peace is despaired, 660 

For who can think submission ? — AVar then, war 

Open or understood, must be resolved." 

He spake ; and to confirm his words out flew 
Millions of ilaining swords, drawn from the thighs 
Of mighty Cherubim ; the sudden blaze 665 

Far round illumined Hell : highly they raged 
A-gainst the Highest, and fierce with grasped arms 

644. provoke, as well as dread, -went so general a fame or ru- 

governs New war. mor. 

646. it;or/fc, work out ; efifect. 655. Thither. See line 650. 

648. iWiO, that he who. 659. cocer, cover them. 

65C. wUertof so rife there 660. despaired, despairei 0/ 

xveiu a fame, of which there hopeless. 



2G PARADISE LOST. (.Book L 

Clashed on their sounding shields the din of war, 
Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heaven. 

There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top 670 

Belched .fire and rolling smoke ; the rest entire 
Shone with a glossy scurf ; undoubted sign 
That in his womb was hid metallic ore, 
The work of sulphur. Thither winged with speed 
A numerous brigade hastened ; as when bands C7fi 
Of pioneers, with spade and pickaxe armed. 
Forerun the royal camp, to trench a field 
Or cast a rami^art. Mammon led them on, 
Mammon, the least erected spirit that fell 
From Heaven ; for even in Heaven his looks and 
thoughts 680 

Were always dowuAvard bent, admiring more 
The riches of Heaven's pavement, trodden gold, 
Than aught divine or holy else enjoyed 
In vision beatific : by him first 

Men also, and by his suggestion taught, 686 

Ransacked the centre, and with impious hands 
Rifled the bowels of their mother Earth 
For treasures better hid. Soon had his crew 
Opened into the hill a spacious wound, 
And digged out ribs of gold. Let none admire 690 
That riches grow in Hell ; that soil may best 
Deserve the precious bane. And here let those 
Who boast in mortal things, and wondering tell 
Of Babel and the works of Memphian kings. 
Learn how their greatest monuments of fame, mi 

671. the rest entire, all the rest, used in its Latiu seuse of undu- 

673. his, its. See note on line tiful ; unnatural. 

72. 690. admire, vfonder ; beaston> 

678. Mammon is a Syriac word ished. 

meaning Riches, which are here 694. Babel, Babylon, whose 

personified, as in Matt. vi. 2'4. walls, as well as the Pyramids of 

•S84. beatijic, making blessed; Egypt, the ivorks of Memphian 

Heavenly. See 111. 61, 62. kings (see line 307), were among 

686. impious is probably here the Seven ^Venders of the ancien 
world. 



Book I.J PARADUSE LOST. 27 

And strength and art are easily outdone 

By spirits reprobate, and in an hour, 

What in an age they, with incessant toil 

And hands innumerable, scarce perforin. 

Nigh on the plain in many cells prepared, 700 

That underneath had veins of liquid fire 

Sluiced from the lake, a second multitude 

With wondrous art founded the massy ore. 

Severing each kind, and scummed the bullion dross : 

A third as soon had formed within the ground 705 

A various mould ; and from the boiling cells 

By strange conveyance filled each hollow nook ; 

As in an organ from one blast of wind 

To many a row of pipes the sound-board breathes. 

Anon out of the earth a fabric huge Tlo 

Rose, like an exhalation, with the sound 

Of dulcet symphonies and voices sweet, 

Built like a temple, where pilasters round 

Were set, and Doric pillars overlaid 

With golden architrave ; nor did there warn 716 

Cornice or frieze, with bossy sculptures graven , 

The roof was fretted gold. Not Babylon 

Nor great Alcalro such magnificence 

Equalled in all their glories, to enshrine 

Belus or Serapis their gods, or seat 720 

Their kings, when Egypt with Assyria strove 



697. in an Hour, how ia an hour part of a building which rests im 

b* performed. mediately ou the columns ; if- is 

700. prfparedy made for this the lowest part of the entabla- 

ourpose. ture, cf which the cornice is th« 

702. 5Zm/c?</, brought in sluices, upper part, the frieze being be- 

703. /o!/Ji//e</, melted. tween them. — bossy, in relief; 

704 thf hidlion i/ross, the dross standing out. 

tbrownoff by the metal ; the scum 717. fretted, ornamented; a- 

tf the boiling ore. domed with rai.sed work. 

714. Doric. Of the three orders 72J. £''//<5. or Eel, a Babylonish 
of Grecian architecture, Doric, idol. — 5prfj/'/s, an Egyptian deity 
ionic, and Corinthian, the first worshipped at Memphi.-^, near th« 
was the mo.^t simple. The Par- site of which Cairo, or Alcairo 

henon at Athen.« was Doric. now stands 

715. 716. The architrave is that 



E8 PARADISE LOST. [Book I 

In wealth and luxury. The ascending pile 
Stood fixed her stately height ; and straight the doors 
Opening their brazen folds discover, wide 
Within, her ample spaces o'er the smooth 726 

And level pavement : from the arched roof, 
Pendent by subtle magic, many a row 
Of starry lamps and blazing cressets, fed 
With naphtha and asphaltus, yielded light 
As from a sky. The hasty multitude 730 

Admiring entered, and the work some praise 
And some the architect ; his hand was known 
In Heaven by many a towered structure high, 
Where sceptred angels held their residence, 
And sat as princes, whom the supreme King 735 

Exalted to such power, and gave to rule. 
Each in his hierarchy, the orders bright : 
Nor was his name unheard or unadored 
In ancient Greece ; and in Ausonian land 
Men called him Mulciber ; and how he fell 740 

From Heaven they fabled, thrown by angry Jove 
Sheer o'er the crystal battlements ; from morn 
To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, 
A summer's day ; and with the setting sun 
Dropped from the zenith like a falling star, 745 

On Lemnos the iEgean isle : thus they relate, 
Erring ; for he with this rebellious rout 
Fell long before ; nor aught availed him now 
To have built in Heaven high towers ; nor did be 
scape 

723. fixed, fixed in, or as to. 739-746. IIepha?stos, the god 

But if a comma be put after stood, of fire, was called Vulcan, or Mitl- 

heig/U may be considered as the cibn., by the Romans, who dwelt 

nominative case absolute.— in Ausonian latid, or \tfi\y. Hav- 

ttraight. See line 531. ing taken part with his mother, 

729. naphtha and asphaltus are Hera, or Juno, in a quarrel be- 

bituminous substances, the for- tween his parents, he was hurled 

iner liquid, the latter solid, and by his father, atii^ry Joi-r, frnxx: 

both very inflammable. heaven. He fell on "the islaud of 

736. rule, rule over. Lemnos in the .^gean Sea. 

737. hierarchy, sacred rank. 749. scape. See line 482 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST. 29 

By all his engines, but Avas headlong sent 78C 

With his industrious crew to build In Hell. 

Meanwhile the winged heralds, by command 
Of sovran power, with awful ceremony 
And trumpet's sound, throughout the host proclaim 
A solemn council forthwith to be held 7g£ 

At Pandemonium, the high capital 
Of Satan and his peers : their summons called 
From every band and squared regiment 
By place or choice the worthiest ; they anon 
With hundreds and with thousands trooping came 7G0 
Attended : all access was thronged, the gates 
And porches wide, but chief the spacious hall 
(Though like a covered field, Avhere champions bold 
Wont ride in armed, and at the Soldan's chair 
Defied the best of Panim chlvahy 765 

To mortal combat, or career with lance) 
Thick swarmed, both on the ground and in tlie air 
Brushed with the hiss of rustling wings. As bees 
In spi'ing-tlme, when the sun Avith Taurus rides, 
Pour forth their populous youth about the hive 770 
In clusters ; they among fresh dews and flowers 
Fly to and fro, or on the smoothed plank, 
The suburb of their straw-built citadel. 
New rubbed with balm, expatiate, and confer 
Their state aifairs : so thick the aery crowd 775 

Swarmed and were straitened ; till, the signal given, 
Behold a wonder ! they but now who seemed 

750. engines^ ingenious devices bat with Panim (Paynim or Pa- 

or contrivances. gun) c/tifafri/. They usod [wont l 

753. sovran. See line 2-16. to ride in (into the lists) in armor. 

756. Pa/i</emort/Km, place of all — Solr/nn^ Sultan, the Saracen 

devils. chief cr emperor. 

759. anon. See line 325. 769. xvheji the sun with Taurvt 

761. all access, every way of ac- rides, when the sun is in Taurus, 

cess or approach. the sign of the Bull. 

763-766. In the wars between 774. expatiate, move at large; 

tlie Christians and Saracens, walk abi'oad. — co7^/e?•, confer up - 

ciampions bold of the true faith on. 

sometimes engaged in single com- 775. See line 430. 



30 PARADISE LOST. [Book I. 

In bigness to surpass earth's giant sons, 

Now less than smallest dwarfs in narrow room 

Throng numberless, like that pygmean race 780 

Beyond the Indian mount ; or fairy elves, 

Whose midnight revels by a forest side 

Or fountain some belated peasant sees, 

Or dreams he sees ; while overhead the moon 

Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth 785 

Wheels her pale course ; they, on their mirth and 

dance 
Intent, with jocund music charm his ear ; 
At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds. 
Thus incorporeal spirits to smallest forms 
Reduced their shapes immense ; and were at large, 79C 
Though without number still, amidst the hall 
Of that infernal court. But far within. 
And in their own dimensions like themselves, 
The great Seraphic lords and Cherubim 
[n close recess and secret conclave sat ; w 

A thousand demi-gods on golden seats, 
Frequent and full. After short silence then 
And summons read, the great consult began. 

785. ar6i7re.«, ■witness ; specta- 797. Frequent, crowded; 

tor ; — from the Latin. tlironged. 

790. were at large, had room 798. consult, con8u)t»tlo«. 
enough. 



BOOK 11. 

THE ARGUMENl 

The consultation begun, Satan debates -svhether another battle 13 to 
be hazarded for the ref*overy of Heaven : some advise it, others 
iissuade. A third proposal is preferred, mentioned before by 
Satan, to search the truth of that prophecy or tradition in HeaTen 
concerning another world, and another kind of creature, equal cr 
not much inferior to themselves, about this time to be created ; 
their doubt who shall be sent on this difficult search : Satan, their 
chief, undertakes alone the voj^age ; is honored and applauded. 
The council thus ended, the rest betake them several ways and to 
several employments, as their inclinations lead them, to eutertain 
the time till Satan return. He passes on his journey to Hell gates, 
finds them shut, and who sat there to guard them, by whom at 
length they are opened, and discover to him the great gulf be- 
tween Hell and Heaven ; with what difficulty he passes through, 
directed by Chaos, the Power of that place, to the sight of this 
new world which he sought. 

High on a throne of royal state, which far 

Outshone the wealth of Ormus and of Ind, 

Or where the gorgeous East with richest hand 

Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold, 

Satan exalted sat, by merit raised 5 

To that bad eminence ; and, from despair 

Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires 

Beyond thus high, insatiate to pursue 

Vain war with Heaven; and, by success untaught, 

His proud imaginations thus displayed : 10 

2. of Ormus or of Ind. Or- 5. hy merit, because he had so 

mus, or Ormuz, is an island in deserved. 

the Persian Gulf, formerly an 7. beyond hope beyond what 

emporium of the rich commerce he had lately hoped for. 

of the East. — Lk/, India. 8. insatiate, eager with insar 

4. barbaric pearl android. The tiate passion, 

term ftariaric here means oriental, 9. 5Mccf5s, the event, 

having no reference to barba- 10. displayed, set forth, 
riann, as we use the word. 



82 PARADISE LOST. [Book II 

" Powers and Dominions, deities of Heaven — 
For since no deep within Ler gulf can hold 
Immortal vigor, though oppressed and fallen, 
r give not Heaven for lost ; from this descent 
Celestial virtues rising will appear 16 

More glorious and moxe dread than from no ftill. 
And trust themselves to fear no second fate — 
Me though just right and the fixed laws of Heave e 
Did first create your leader, nc.^t free choice, 
With what besides in council or in fight 30 

Hath been achieved of merit ; yet this loss 
Thus far at least recovered hath much more 
Established in a safe unenvied throne, 
Yielded with full consent. The happier state 
In Heaven, which follows dignity, might draw 2c 

Envy from each inferior ; but who here 
Will envy whom the highest place exposes 
Foremost to stand against the Thunderer's aim 
Your bulwark, and condemns to greatest share 
Of endless pain ? AVhere there is then no good 8C 
For Avhich to strive, no strife can grow up there 
From faction ; for none sure will claim in Hell 
Precedence, none whose portion is so small 
Of present pain that with ambitious mind 
Will covet more. With this advantage then 35 

To union and firm faith and firm accord. 
More than can be in Heaven, we now return 
To claim our just Inheritance of old, 
Surer to prosper than prosperity 
Could have assured us ; and by what best way, 40 
Whether of open war or covert guile, 
We now debate ; who can advise may speak." 

22, "-ecot-ererf, made up. 29. Yowr iu/M^ari, as your bul' 

^.established. For the object wark. 

of this verb, see line 18. 33. none., there is none. 

2S>. follows (JignitT/, accompa- 40. hy ivhat best way, hj whrif 

nies high tank. way we may best return. 

27. whom, him whom. 



Boonil.l PARADfSE LOST. 33 

He ceased ; and next lilm Moloch, sceptred king, 
Stood up, tlic strongest and the fiercest spirit 
That fought in Heaven, now fiercer by despair : 4£ 
His trust was with the Eternal to be deemed 
Equal in strength, and rather than be less 
Cared not to be at all ; with that care lost 
Went all his fear ; of God, or Hell, or worse, 49 

He recked not ; and these Avords thereafter spake : 

" My sentence is for open war ; of wiles 
More unexpert I boast not ; them let those 
Contrive who need, or when they need, not now : 
For while they sit contriving, shall the rest, 
Millions that stand in arms and longing Avait 66 

The signal to ascend, sit lingering here. 
Heaven's fugitives, and for their dwelling-place 
Accept this dark opprobrious den of shame, 
The prison of his tyranny Avho reigns 
By our delay ? No, let us rather choose, 60 

Armed Avith hell-flames and fury, all at once 
O'er Heaven's high towers to force resistless way, 
Turning our tortures into horrid arms 
Against the torturer; when to meet the noise 
Of his almighty engine he shall hear 65 

Infernal thunder, and for lightning see 
Black fire and horror shot Avitli equal rage 
Among his angels, and his throne itself 
Mixed Avith Tartarean sulphur and stiange fire, 
His own invented torments. But perhaps VD 

The way seems difficult and steep to scale 
With upright Aving against a higher foe : 
Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench 



43 Moloch. See 1. 392-405. 69. Tartarean, belonging to 

46. The pause in this line is Tartams, or Ilell. 

after was. 73. such, those to whom the 

52 unexpert agrees Mith I. way seems difficult, Stc 
65 engine, thunderbolt. 



34 PARADISE LOST. [Book U 

Of that forgetful lake benumb not still, 

That in our proper motion we ascend 78 

Up to our native seat ; descent and fall 

To us is adverse. AVho but felt of late, 

When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear 

Insulting and pursued us through the deep. 

With what compulsion and laborious flight 30 

We sunk thus low ? The ascent is easy then ; 

The event is feared ; should we again provoke 

Our stronger, some worse way his wrath may find 

To our destruction, if there be in Hell 

Fear to be worse destro}'ed. What can be worse 86 

Than to dwell here, driven out from bliss, condemned 

In this abhorred deep to utter woe ; 

Where pain of unextinguishable fire 

Must exercise us without hope of end. 

The vassals of his anger, wdien the scourge 90 

Inexorably and the torturing hour 

Calls us to penance ? — more destroyed than thus, 

We should be quite abolished, and expire. 

What fear we then ? what doubt we to incense 

His utmost ire ? which, to the height enraged, 96 

Will either quite consume us and reduce 

To nothing this essential (happier far 

Than miserable to have eternal being !) ; 

Or, if our substance be indeed divine 

And cannot cease to be, we are at worst lOO 

On this side nothing ; and by proof we feel 

Our power sufficient to disturb hus Heaven, 

74. that forgetful lake. See I., 94. what doubt loe, why do w« 

266. hesitate. — to incense, to inflamo 

75 proper, that which belongs 97. this essential, our being • 

k) us ; natural. our existence. — happier far 

82. The event, what might be which would be a lot far hap 

the result. pier. 

89 exercise, afflict ; torment. 101. On this side nothing, on 

91. Inexorabhj. Milton may this side of nothing ; not anmlu 

here have dictated inexorable. lated. 

92 than thus, than we are now. 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 85 

And -wltli perpetual inroads to alarm, 
Though inaccessible, his fatal throne ; 
Which, If not victory, is yet revenge." loi 

He ended frowning, and his look denounced 
Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous 
To less than gods. On the other side uprose 
Belial, in act more graceful and humane : 
A fairer person lost not Heaven ; he seemed iK 

For dignity composed and high exploit ; 
But all was false and hollow, though his tonn-ue 
Dropped manna, and could make the worse appear 
The better reason, to perplex and dash 
Maturest counsels ; for his thoughts were low, 115 
To vice industrious, but to nobler deeds 
Timorous and slothful ; yet he pleased the ear, 
And with persuasive accents thus began : 

" I should be much for open war, O Peers, 
As not behind in hate, if what was urged 120 

Main reason to persuade immediate war 
Did not dissuade me most, and seem to cast 
Ominous conjecture on the whole success ; 
When he who most excels in fact of arms, 
In what he counsels and in what excels la 

Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair 
And utter dissolution, as the scope 
Of all his aim after some dire revenge. 
First, what revenge ? The towers of Heaven are filled 
With armed watch, that render all access lac 



104. fntnl^ upheld by fate. 121. Main reason, as the main 

106. (ffnounced, threatened. reason. 

109. Belial. See I. 490-505.— V23.0)ninoiis conjectiire,thn&t- 

act, manner. — humane, retined ; ening doubt ; anticipation of evil, 

courteous. 124. he, Moloch. See Knes 

111 composed, made. 51-105. —fact, deed or deeds. 

116. industrious, assiduously 130. render all access itnpreg- 

deToted. naWe , make approach impossibl* 



B6 PARADISE LOST. LBooa: Jl 

Impregnable ; oft on the bordering deep 

Encamp their legions, or Avith obscure wing 

Scout far and wide into the realm of night, 

Scorning surprise. Or could we break our way 

By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise 18S 

With blackest insurrection to confound 

Heaven's purest light, yet our great enemy 

All incorruptible would on his throne 

Sit unpolluted, and the ethereal mould, 

Incapable of stain, would soon expel 14U 

Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire, 

Victorious. Thus repulsed, our final hope 

Is flat despair : we must -exasperate 

The almighty victor to spend all his rage, 

And that must end us ; that must be our cure, 145 

To be no more. Sad cure ! for Avho would lose, 

Though full of pain, this intellectual being, 

Those thoughts that Avander through eternity, 

To perish rather, swallowed up and lost 

In the wide womb of uncreated night, 160 

Devoid of sense and motion ? And Avho knows, 

Let this be good, whether our angry foe 

Can give It, or will ever ? how he can. 

Is doubtful ; that he never will, is sure. 

Will he, so wise, let loose at once his Ire, IB5 

Belike through impotence or unaware, 

To give his enemies their Avish, and end 

Them In his anger, Avhom his anger saves 

To punish endless ? AVherefore cease we then, 

Say they who counsel war ; we are decreed, 180 

Reserved, and destined to eternal woe ; 

134. surprise, the danger of 149. To jerish rather, prefeir 

being surprised. — In this line ring to perish, 

ind the next, supply if. 152. Let this he good, 8uppo8- 

138. All incorruptible, not to be ing that this be good, or desirable 

Unpaired. 156. Belike, perhaps. — impo- 

141. Her, its. — mischief, dam- tence. ungovernable rage. 

»ge, injury. — baser fire is op- 159. What they say ends vrith 

^osed to purest light. worse. 



Book 11.] PARADISE LOST. 91 

Whatever doing, what can we suffer more, 
What can we suffer worse ? — Is this then worst, 
Tlius sitting, thus consulting, thus in arms? 
What ! when we fled amain, pui-sued and struck 1« 
With Heaven's afflicting thunder, and besought 
The deep to shelter us ? this Hell then seemed • 
A refuge fi-om those Avounds. Or when we lay 
Chained on the burning lake ? that sure was wonie. 
What if the breath that kindled those grim fires, 170 
Awaked, should blow them into sevenfold rage, 
And plunge us in the flames ? or from above 
Should intermitted vengeance arm again 
His red right hand to plague us ? What if all 
Her stores were opened, and this firmament 176 

Of Hell should spout her cataracts of fire. 
Impendent horrors, threatening hideous fall 
One day upon our heads ; while we, perhaps 
Designing or exhorting glorious war, 
Caught in a fiery tempest shall be hurled iso 

Each on his rock transfixed, the sport and prey 
Of racking whirlwinds, or forever sunk 
Under yon boiling ocean, wrapt in chains ; 
There to converse with everlasting groans, 
Unrespited, unpitied, unreprieved, 183 

Ages of hopeless end ? This would be woi-se. 
War, therefore, open or concealed, alike 
My voice dissuades ; for what can force or guile 
With him, or who deceive his mind, Avhose eye 
Views all things at one view ? He from Heaven's 
height 190 

All these our motions vain sees and derides ; 

166. afflicting. See I. 186. 186. Ag^'s of hopfless end. 

172. Or, or what if. thiDugh ages without hope of 

175 Hfr refers to vengeance. end. 

176. her, its 188. dissuades, discouTa,gea. — 

177. Impendent, hanging over what can. what can/orce or ^uile 
n.s. accomplish 

184. converse, be familiar or 
conversant with. 



88 PARADISE LOST. [Book Q 

Not more almighty to resist our might 

Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles. 

Shall we then live thus vile, the race of Heaven. 

Thus trampled, thus expelled, to suffer here IM 

Chains and these torments ? Better these than vvorse. 

By my advice ; since fate inevitable 

Subdues us, and omnipotent decree, 

The victor's will. To suffer, as to do, 

Our strength is equal, nor the law unjust 200 

That so ordains : this was at first resolved, 

If we were wise, against so great a foe 

Contending, and so doubtful what might fall. 

I iaugh, when those who at the spear are bold 

And venturous, if that fail them, shrink, and fear 2Ga 

What yet they know must follow, to endure 

Exile, or ignominy, or bonds, or pain, 

The sentence of their conqueror : this is now 

Our doom, which if we can sustain and bear, 

Our supreme foe in time may much remit 210 

His anger, and perhaps thus far removed 

Not mind us not offending, satisfied 

With what is punished : whence these raging fires 

Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames. 

Our purer essence then will overcome 216 

Their noxious vapor, or inured not feel ; 

Or changed at length, and to the place conformed 

In temper and in nature, will receive 

Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain ; 

This horror will groAV mild, this darkness light : 220 

Besides what hope the never-ending flight 

Of future days may bring, what chance, what change 

Worth waiting, since our present lot appears 

200. equal, equally able. having become accustomed to it 

201. this ivas at first resolved, cease to feel it. 

to this {ViiAtxs,, to suffer as to do) 2\8. temper, constitution oi 

we must at the beginning have natural condition. 

brought our mind. 21LV the ^fierce heat as familiar 

203. fall, befall. an/l void of pain. 

316. or inured not feel^ or, 223. waiting, waitmg for. 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 8S 

For happy tliougli but ill, for 111 not worst ; 

If we procure not to oui-selves more woe." 23A 

Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's garb, 
Counselled ignoble ease and peaceful sloth, 
Not peace ; and after him thus Mammon spake ; 

•' Either to disenthrone the King of Heaven 
V»'^e war. if war be best, or to regain 23C 

Our own right lost : Him to unthrone we then 
May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield 
To fickle Chance, and Chaos judge the strife : 
The former vain to hope, argues as vain 
The latter ; for what place can be for us 235 

Within Heaven's bound, unless Heaven's lord su- 
preme 
We overpower ? Suppose he should relent 
And publish grace to all, on promise made 
Of new subjection ; with what eyes could we 
Stand in his presence humble, and receive 24u 

Strict laws imposed, to celebrate his throne 
With warbled hymns, and to his Godhead sing 
Forced hallelujahs ; while he lordly sits 
Om- envied sovran, and his altar breathes 
Ambrosial odors and ambrosial flowers, 249 

Our servile offerings ? This must be our task 
In Heaven, this our delight ; how wearisome 
Eternity so spent, in worship paid 
To whom we hate ! Let us not then pursue 
By force impossible, by leave obtained • 250 

Unacceptable, though in Heaven, our state 
Of splendid vassalage ; but rather seek 



224. though, but ill for a hap- 241. celebrate, throng around 
oy oae, yet not worst for an evil and glorify. 

one. 249. pursue, seek to continue. 

225. Marr->non. Seel. 678-688. 250, 251. The adjectives belong 
238. grare, pardon. to state. 



to PARADISE LOS'I. [Book U 

Our own good from ourselves, and from our own 

Live to ourselves, though in this vast recess, 

Free and to none accountable, preferring 2M 

Hard liberty before the easy yoke 

Of servile pomp. Our greatness will appear 

Tlien most conspicuous, when great things of small, 

Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse 

We can create ; and in what place soe'er 280 

Thrive under evil, and work ease oiit of pain, 

Through labor and endurance. This deep Avorld 

Of darkness do w^e dread ? How oft amidst 

Thick clouds and dark doth t^eaven's all-ruling Sire 

Choose to reside, his glory unobscured, 265 

And with the majesty of darkness round 

Covers his throne ; from whence deep thunders roar 

Mustering their rage, and Heaven resembles Hell ! 

As he our darkness, cannot we his light 

Imitate when we please ? This desert soil 270 

Wants not her hidden lustre, gems and gold ; 

Nor want we skill or art, from whence to raise 

Magnificence ; and what can Heaven show more ? 

Our torments also may in length of time 

Become our elements, these piercing fires 276 

As soft as now severe, our temper changed 

Into their temper, which must needs remove 

The sensible of pain. All things Invite 

To peaceful counsels and the settled state 

Of order, how in safety best we may 230 

Compose our present evils, with regard 

Of what we are and were, dismissing quite 

All thought of war. Ye have what I advise." 

253. OUT oicn, -what is our stances or matter of whbh we 

o\vii. are composed. 

258. of, out of. 276. temper. See line 218. 

260. in what place soever, in 278. sensible of, sensibility to. 
whatever place ; anywhere. 280. /ioic\ to take counsel how 

264. See Psalm xviii. 6-13. implied in counsels. 

?75. our elements, the sub- 281. Coinpose, settle ; calm 



BookH.] paradise lost. 41 

He scarce had finished, when such murmur filled 
The assembly, as when hollow rocks retain 285 

The sound of blustering winds, which all night long 
Had roused the sea, now with hoai'se cadence lull 
Sea-faring men o'erwatched, whose bark by chance 
Or pinnace anchors in a craggy bay 
After the tempest : such applause was heard 290 

As Mammon ended, and his sentence pleased, 
Advising peace ; for such another field 
They dreaded worse than Hell, so much the fear 
Of thunder and the sword of jNIichael 
Wrought still withi^ them ; and no less desire 296 
To found this nether empire, which might rise, 
By policy and long process of time, 
In emulation opposite to Heaven. 
AVhich when Beelzebub perceived, than Avhom, 
Satan except, none higher sat, with grave 300 

Aspect he rose, and in his rising seemed 
A pillar of state ; deep on his front engraven 
Deliberation sat and public care ; 
And princely counsel in his face yet shone, 
Majestic though in ruin : sage he stood, 806 

With Atlantean shoulders fit to bear 
The weight of mightiest monarchies ; his look 
Drew audience and attention still as night 
Or summer's noon-tide air ; while thus he spake : 

" Thrones and Imperial Powers, offspring of Heaven, 
Ethereal Virtues ! or these titles now 3i] 

Must we renounce, and, changing style, be called 
Princes of Hell ? for so the popular vote 

287. noio, but now. 300. except, excepted. 

288. o'^ericatcheii, having 302. front, forehead, or face, 
watched too long. 306. Atlantean, like those of 

29o. desire, the desire Atlas, who is fabled to ha':-e 

29G. tvliich, that it. borne the world on his ghoul- 

297. policy, politic arts. ders. 

299 Bedzebuh. See I. 78-81. 308. audience, hearing. 



ft2 PARADISE LOST. [Book 11 

Inclines, here to continue, and build up here 

A growing empire ; doubtless ! while we dream, 316 

And know not that the King of Heaven hath doomed 

This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat 

Beyond his potent arm, to live exempt 

From Heaven's high jurisdiction, in new league 

Banded against his throne ; but to remain aao 

In strictest bondage, though thus far removed, 

Under the inevitable curb, reserved 

His captive multitude ; for he, be sure, 

In height or depth, still first and last will reign 

Sole king, and of his kingdom lose no part 325 

By our revolt, but over Hell extend 

His empire, and with iron sceptre rule 

Us here, as with his golden those in Heaven. 

What sit we then projecting peace and war ? 

War hath determined us, and foiled with loss 330 

Irrejitarable ; terms of peace yet none 

Vouchsafed, or sought ; for what peace will be given 

To us enslaved, but custody severe, 

And stripes, and arbitrary punishment 

Inflicted ? and what peace can we return, 335 

But to our power hostility and hate. 

Untamed reluctance, and revenge, though slow, 

Yet ever plotting how the conqueror least 

May reap his conquest, and may least rejoice 

In doing what we most in suffering feel ? 840 

Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need 

With dangerous expedition to invade 

Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege, 

Or ambush from the deep. What if we find 

Some easier enterjDrise ? There is a place 341 

(If ancient and prophetic fame In Heaven 

315. doubtless. This is said 337. reluctance^ struggling 

ereeringly, like " forsooth." agaiast. 

322. reserved, reserved as. 341. occasion, opportunity 

329. What, why. want be wanting. 

330. determined, finished. 
836. io, to the extent of. 



BooKiL] PARADISE LOST. 48 

Err not), another world, the hapj))' seat 

Of some new race called Llan, about this time 

To be created like to us, though less 

In power and excellence, but favored more 350 

Of him who rules above ; so was his will 

Pronounced among the gods, and by an oath, 

That shook Heaven's whole circumference, confirmed. 

Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn 

What creatures there inhabit, of what mould 866 

Or substance, how endued, and what their power, 

And where their weakness, how attempted best, 

By force or subtilty. Though Heaven be shut. 

And Heaven's high arbitrator sit secure 

In his own strength, this place may lie exposed, 360 

The utmost border of his kingdom, left 

To their defence who hold it : here perhaps 

Some advantageous act may be achieved 

By sudden onset, either with hell-fire 

To waste his whole creation, or possess 365 

All as our own, and drive, as we were driven, 

The puny habitants ; or, if not drive. 

Seduce them to our party, that their God 

May prove their foe, and with repenting hand 

Abolish his own works. This would surpass 870 

Common revenge, and interrupt his joy 

In our confusion, and our joy upraise 

In his disturbance ; when his darling sons. 

Hurled headlong to partake with us, shall curse 

Their frail original and faded bliss, 878 

Faded so soon. Advise if this be worth 

Attempting, or to sit in dai-knesS here 

Hatching vain empires." Thus Beelzebub 

Pleaded his devilish counsel, first devised 

352. See Uebrews vi. 17. 376. Advise, consider. 

357. Iiow attempted best, how 377. or, or if it be better, 

best to be attacked. 370. Pltadtd urged; preMW! 

366. drive^ drive out. earuestly. 
375 original^ original nature. 



44 PARADISE LOST. [Book a 

fiy Satan, an<l in part proposed ; for whence, 880 

But from the author of all ill, could spring 

So deep a malice, to confound the race 

Of mankind in one root, and Earth with Hell 

To mingle and involve, done all to spite 

The great Creator ? But their spite still ser\'es ffiS 

His glory to augment. The bold design 

Pleased highly those infernal states, and joy 

Sparkled in all their eyes : with full assent 

They vote ; whereat his speech he thus renews : 

" Well have ye judged, well ended long debate, 390 
Synod of gods ! and, like to what ye are. 
Great things resolved ; which from the lowest deep 
Will once more lift us up, in spite of fate. 
Nearer our ancient seat ; perhaps in view 394 

Of those bright confines, whence with neighboring 

arms 
And opportune excursion we may chance 
Reenter Heaven ; or else, in some mild zone 
Dwell, not unvisited of Heaven's fair light. 
Secure, and at the brightening orient beam 
Purge off this gloom ; the soft delicious air, 400 

To heal the scar of these corrosive fires, 
Shall breathe her balm. But first, whom shall we 

send 
In search of this new world ? whom shall we find 
Sufficient ? who shall tempt with wandering feet 
The dark unbottomed infinite abj'ss, loc 

And through the palpable obscure find out 
His uncouth way, or spread his aery flight, 

Z%1. statex^ assembled coun- free from anxiety.— onenf, which 

ellors ; estates. rises and gives lustre. 

392. resoli'ef/, determined on. 406. obscure is u.sed as a aouD- 

896. excursion^ sallying forth, like airj^vi in line 409. 

—c/^ance, chance to, or by chance. 407. vnconth, maknow-n. — aety 

398. of, by. See I. 430 and note. 

399 Secure. Tithcut care ; 



BookU.] paradise lost, ih 

Upborne with indefatigable Avings, 

Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive 

The happy isle ? what strength, what art, can then 

Suifice, or what evasion bear him safe 411 

Through the strict senteries and stations thick 

Of angels watching round ? here he had need 

All circumspection, and we now no less 

Choice in our suffrage ; for on whom we send, 411 

Tlie weight of all and our last hope relies." 

This said, he sat ; and expectation held 
His look suspense, awaiting who appeared 
To second, or oppose, or undertake 
The perilous attempt ; but all sat mute, 420 

Pondering the danger with deep thoughts, and each 
In other's countenance read his own dismay. 
Astonished. Kone among the choice and prime 
Of those heaven-warring champions could be found 
So hardy as to proffer or accept 42£ 

Alone the dreadful voyage ; till at last 
Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised 
Above his fellows, Avith monarchal pride, 
Conscious of highest worth, unmoved thus spake : 

" progeny of Heaven, empyreal Thrones ! 430 
With reason hath deep silence and demur 
Seized us, though undismayed. Long is the way 
And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light ; 
Our prison strong ; this huge convex of fire, 
Outrageous to devour, immures us round 486 

Ninefold, and gates of burning adamant 
Ban-ed over us prohibit all egress. 

409. arrive, reach ; arrive at. 418. si^penscy suspended ; in 

ii2. sentertes, sentries. — sm- suspense. — appear ed,shou\i.6,f- 

Hons, guards. pear. 

414. All, of all, as of choice in 426. voyage, journey 
the next line. — no less, no less 4S4. convex, yiiuR. 

»eed. 435. Outrageous, funoT3a]Tag- 

415. whom, him whom. ing. 



16 PARADISE LOST. fKooK 11 

riiese passed, if any pass, the void profound 

Of unessential night receives him next, 

Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being 440 

Threatens him, plunged in that abortive gulf. 

If thence he scape into whatever world 

Or unknown region, what remains him less 

Than unknown dangers and as hard escape ? 

But I should ill become this throne, O Peers ! 446 

And this imperial sovranty, adorned 

With splendor, armed with power, if aught proposed 

And judged of public moment, in the shape 

Of difficulty or danger, could deter 

Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume 450 

These royalties, and not refuse to reign, 

Refusing to accept as great a share 

Of hazard as of honor, due alike 

To him who reigns, and so much to him due 

Of hazard more, as he above the rest 455 

High honoi-ed sits ? Go, therefore, mighty Powers, 

Terror of Heaven, though f illen ! intend at home, 

While here shall be our home, what best may ease 

The present misery, and render Hell 

More tolerable ; if tliere be cure or charm 460 

To respite, or deceive, or slack the pain 

Of this ill mansion. Intermit no watch 

Against a wakeful foe, while I abroad 

Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek 

Deliverance for us all : this enterprise 4«6 

None shall partake Avith me." Thus saying rose 

The monarch and prevented all reply, 

Prudent, lest from his resolution raised 

439. unessential^ having no es- 453. (Jve alike ^ both due ; th*t 

Bence or being. is, both hazard and honor. 

442. scape^ escape. 455. Of hazard more., so miieh 

443. remains., is left. more of hazard or danger. 

448- mome7it, importance ; 457. intend, consider ; dliec* 

Keight. your attention to. 

451. royalties, attributes of 468. from his resolution raised 

royalty. roused by his resolve. 



Qoon IT.] PARADISE LOST. 47 

Others among the chiefs might offer now 

(Certain to be refusetl) what erst they feared ; 47C 

And, so refused, might in opinion stand 

His rivals, winning cheap the high repute 

Which he through hazard huge must earn. But cbcy 

Dreaded not more the adventure than his voice 

Forbidding ; and at once with him they rose : 476 

Their rising all at once was as the sound 

Ut' thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend 

With awful reverence prone ; and as a god 

Extol him equal to the Highest in Heaven ; 

Nor failed they to express how much they praised 

That for the general safety he despised 481 

His own ; for neither do the Spirits damned 

Lose all their virtue, lest bad men should boast 

Their specious deeds on earth, which glory excites, 

Or close ambition varnished o'er with zeal. 485 

Thus they their doubtful consultations dark 
Ended, rejoicing in their matchless chief: 
As when from mountain-tops the dusky clouds 
Ascending, while the north wind sleeps, o'erspread 
Heaven's cheerful face, the louring element 490 

Scowls o'er the darkened landscape snow or shower, 
If chance the radiant sun with farewell sweet 
Extend his evening beam, the fields revive, 
The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds 
Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings. m 

O shame to men ! devil with devil damned 
Firm concord holds, men only disagree 
Of creatures rational, though under hope 
Of heavenly grace ; and, God proclaiming peace, 

469. offer. oCfer to undertake. fore these words, supply and.'^ 

470. erst. See I. 360. ele^nent. sky or air. 

471. opinion, reputation. 491. iScoivls, scowling shedl 
478. prone, inclined ; bending 492. chance, by chance. 

forward. 495. that, so that. 

4^5. close, secret ; hidden. 499. grace. Sea line 238. 

490. the louring element. Be- 



4S PARADISE LOST. [Book U 

iTet live in hatred, enmity, and strife 50C 

Among themselves, and levy cruel Avars, 

Wasting the earth, each otlier to destroy : 

As if (v.'hich might induce us to accord) 

Man had not hellish foes enow besides, 

That day and night for his destruction wait. 605 

The Stygian council thus dissolved ; and forth 
In order came the grand infernal peers : 
Midst came their mighty paramount, and seemed 
Alone the antagonist of Heaven, nor less 
Than Hell's dread emperor, with pomp supreme 510 
And godlike imitated state. Him round 
.A globe of fiery Seraphim enclosed 
With briglit emblazonry and horrent arms. 
Then of their session ended they bid cry 
With trumpet's regal sound the great result. 515 

Toward the four winds four speedy Cherubim 
Put to their mouths the sounding alchemy, 
By herald's voice explained ; the hollow abyss 
Heard far and wide, and all the host of Hell 519 

With deafening shout returned them loud acclaim. 

Thence more at ease their minds, and somewhat 
raised 
By fldse presumptuous hope, the ranged powers 
Disband, and wandering each his several way 
Pursues, as inclination or sad choice 
Leads him perplexed, where he may likeliest find 625 
Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain 
The irksome hours till his great chief return. 

504 «no!t', enough. 51S. emblazonry, emfclazcned 

506 iS/T/^/a/i, infernal. Seel, or pictured shields. — honent, 

239. bristlinp:. 

508 para77ioimt, chief; lord- 517. alchemy, metal mixed 01 

paraEiount. compounded by chemical art. 

512. g-/ote, a crowd close ranged 526. c»ue/-<a(";j,employ or spend 

in a circle. agreeably ; while away. 



Rook II.] PARADISE LOST. 49 

Part on the plain or in the air sublime 

Upon the wing or in swift race contend, 

As at the Olympian games or Pythian fields ; 68Q 

Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal 

With rapid wheels, or fronted brigades form. 

As when, to warn proud cities, war appears 

Waged in the troubled sky and armies rush 

To battle In the clouds, before each van 535 

Prick forth the aery knights, and couch their sj^ears 

Till thickest legions close ; with feats of arms 

From either end of heaven the welkin burns. 

Others with vast Typhoean rage more fell 

Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air 540 

In whirlwind ; Hell scarce holds the wild uproar, 

As when Alcides from OEchalia crowned 

With conquest felt the envenomed robe, and tore 

Through pain up by the roots Thessalian pines, 

And Lichas from the top of CEta threw 54f 

Into the Eubolc Sea. Others more mild, 

528. sirblitne, high. scribed as a rtestructive hurricane 

530-532. The Olympian games and the father of winds. — more 

were celebrated once in four fell, fiercer. 

years at Olympia, in Greece, in 542-546. Alcides, Ilercnles. lie 
honor of Zeus, or Jupiter. The was called Alcides from his grand- 
Pythian games were celebrated, father Alca?us, and was celebrat- 
al'so every fourth year, in honor ed for his great strength. On his 
of Apollo, on a plain in the neigh- return from the conquest of 
boi-hood of Delphi. The contests (Echaiia, a city in Thessaly, he 
consisted of various trials of prepared to offer sacrifice to Zeus, 
strength and skill, among which and sent his attendant Lirkas to 
were horse and chariot i-aces. — bring him a white garment. His 
$hnn, keep clear of; drive round wife, moved by jealovi.sy of a 
without touching. — fronted hiig- beautiful captive whom he had 
ades, brigades formed witb. a taken, sent him a poisoned robe 
front, or fronting on a line. instead, which threw him into 

533. to ivarn proud cities. Ap- such agony that he seized the 

pearances in the heavens, such messenger by the feet, and hurled 

R« are hex-e described, are consid- him into the sea between Thes- 

ered as warnings by the super- saly and the island of Euboea. 

etitious. hence called the Eiihoic Sea. — 

536. Prick, come upon the (Eta was a mountain in the 

spur. — aery, seen in the air. — south of Thessaly, on which Her- 

rouch, fix or set for attack. cules -aised a funeral pile and 

539. 2'//p/iaBan,fromTyphoeus, caused himself to be burned to 

a monster whc Is sometimes de- death. 
4 



50 PARADISE LOST. [Book II 

Retreated in a silent valley, sing 

With notes angelical to many a harp 

Their own heroic deeds and hapless fall 

By doom of battle ; and complain that fete 660 

Free virtue should enthrall to force or chance. 

Their song was partial, but the harmony 

(What could it less when spirits immortal sing ?) 

Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment 

The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet 

(For eloquence the soul, song charms the sense) 55fl 

Others apart sat on a hill retired, 

In thoughts more elevate, and reasoned high 

Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate. 

Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute; bOO 

And found no end, in wandering mazes lost. 

Of good and evil much they argued then, 

Of happiness and final misery. 

Passion and apathy, and glory and shame. 

Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy ; 666 

Yet with a pleasing sorcery could charm 

Pain for a while or anguish, and excite 

Fallacious hope, or arm the obdurcd breast 

With stubborn patience as with triple steel. 

Another part, in squadrons and gross bands, 570 

On bold adventure to discover wide 

That dismal world, if any clime perhaps 

Might yield them easier habitation, bend 

Four ways their flying march, along the banks 

Of four infernal rivers, that disgorge 676 

Into the burning lake their baleful streams ; 

Abhorred Styx, the flood of deadly hate ; 

552. partial, describing only Lethe, were the rivers of tie 

heir own part or share. lower world. The v^orJ Styx 

554. Suspiniled, held mute. implied hate, Acheron sorrow 

568. obdured, hardened. Cocytus lamentation, and Fhleg- 

570. ^0.^5, dense, or large. ethon flaming. The Vford Letht 

675. four infernal rivers. In meant obliyion. 
Grtek mythology these, with 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 51 

Sad Acheron, of sorrow — black and deep ; 

Cocytus, named of lamentation loud 

Heard on the rueful stream ; fierce Phlegethon 63C 

Whose waves of torrent fire Inflame with rage. 

Far oflf from these a slow and silent stream, 

Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls 

Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks 

Forthwith his former state and being forgets, 685 

Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and palu. 

Beyond this flood a frozen continent 

Lies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms 

Of whirlwind and dire hall, which on firm land 

Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin seems 590 

Of ancient pile : all else, deep snow and ice, 

A gulf profound, as that Serbonlan bog 

Betwixt Damlata and Momit Casius old, 

Where armies whole have sunk : the parching air 

Burns frore, and cold performs the eflect of fire. 695 

Thither, by harpy-footed Furies haled, 

At certain revolutions all the damned 

Are brought ; and feel by turns the bitter change 

Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more fierce, 

From beds of raging fire to starve In ice 600 

Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine 

Immovable, Infixed, and frozen round. 

Periods of time ; thence hurried back to fire. 

They ferry over this Lethean sound 

Both to and fi-o, their sorrow to augment, 605 

And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach 

592. that Serhonian bog. This dreaded by gods and men as the 

bog -was near Mount Cnsius. east punlshers of crime. — hnrpy-foot- 

ol Dnmiata or Dumietta, on the e'/, baring the feet of Harpies, 

rt ad from Egypt to Syria. Whole These were disgusting monsters, 

armies are said to have been here with the bodies of birds, the 

Bwallowed up. heads of maidens, and long claws. 

695. frore, with frost. —haled, dragged or pulled yio- 

696. harpy-footed Furies. The lently along. '' Haling men and 
Furies, according to ancient mj'- women, he committed them to 
thology. were avenging deities, prison." A^ts viii. 3. 



52 PARADISE LOST. [Book U 

The tempting stream, with one small drop to lose 

In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe, 

All in one moment, and so near the brink ; 

But fate withstands, and to oppose the attempt 610 

Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards 

The ford, and of itself the water flies 

All taste of living wight, as once it fled 

The lip of Tantalus. Thus roving on, 

In confused march forlorn, the adventurous bands, 615 

With shuddering horror pale and eyes aghast, 

Viewed first their lamentable lot, and found 

No rest : through many a dark and dreary vale 

They passed, and many a region dolorous. 

O'er many a frozen, many a fiery Alp, 620 

Rocks, caves, lakes, fens, bogs, dens, and shades of 

death ; 
A universe of death, which God by curse 
Created evil, for evil only good. 
Where all life dies, death lives, and nature breeds 
Perverse all monstrous, all prodigious things, 626 

Abominable, inutterable, and worse 
Than fables yet have feigned or fear conceived, 
Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimaeras dire. 

611. Medusa was one of the over his head, which moved away 
tbree Gorgons. These were repre- when he stretched out his hand 
sented as frightful beings, whose to reach them. From Tantalus 
heads were covered with hissing comes our English word "tan- 
serpents instead of hair. The talize." 

head of Medusa, though lier face 617. Viewed Jirst^ had their 

is sometimes described as vei'y first view of. 

l)eantiful, was so terrible that 625. j^rodi^-ious things, prodi- 

whoever looked upon it was gies. 

changed to stone. 628. Gorgons. See line 611, 

613. wight, person ; being. and note. — Hydras. The lljdra 

614. Tantalus, as a punish- was a monster witli nine heads, 
tnent for some crime committed When one of these was cut ofl, 
against Zeus, was condemned in two new ones grew in its place, 
the lower woi-ld to the torments It was finally conquered by Iler- 
of a raging thirst, while he was cules. — Chimeeras. The Chi- 
placed in the midst of a lake the ma;ra was a fire-breathing mon- 
waters of which always receded stcr, with the head of a lion 
when he attempted to drink them, the body of a goat, and the tail 
Branches of refreshing fruit hung of a dragon. The word cA/??? era 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 53 

Meanwhile the adversary of God and man, 
Satan, with thoughts inflamed of highest design, . 690 
Puts on swift wings, and towards the gates of Hell 
Explores his solitary flight ; sometimes 
He scours the right-hand coast, sometimes the lefl ; 
Now shaves with level wing the deep, then soars 
Up to the fiery concave towering high. 636 

As when far off at sea a fleet descried 
Hangs in the clouds, by equinoctial winds 
Close sailing fi'om Bengala, or the isles 
Of Ternate and Tidore, whence merchants bring 
Their spicy drugs ; they on the trading flood 640 

Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape 
Ply, stemming nightly toward the Pole : so seemed 
Far off the flying Fiend. At last appear 
Hell bounds, high reaching to the horrid roof, 
And thrice threefold the gates ; three folds were 
brass, 645 

Three iron, three of adamantine rock, 
Impenetrable, impaled with circling fire, 
Yet unconsumed. Before the gates there sat 
On either side a formidable shape ; 
The one seemed woman to the waist and fair, 660 
But ended foul in many a scaly fold 
Voluminous and vast, a serpent armed 
With mortal sting : about her middle round 
A cry of hell-hounds never ceasing barked 
With wide Cerberean mouths full loud, and runs: 665 



is now used to represent any wild Ethiopian Sea, or Indian Ocean, 

fancy. —the Cape, the Cape of Gooct 

629. adversary. See I. 82. Hope. 

632. Explores, tracks ; traces 642. stemming, making their 

out. way. — tiig/ithj, by night; steer- 

635 to wear?, vault. ing bv the stars. —tAe Pole, the 

638. Brngaln, Bengal. Soutli Pole. 

639. Ternate ami Tir/ore are 647. impaled, enclosed ; sur- 
islands of the .\siatic Archipel • rounded. 

ago, near the Moluccas, or Spice 654. rrj/, pack, 

ielands. Coo. Ctrbf-renn. Cerberus was 

&\\. the wide Ethiopian., the the triple-headed dog that guard- 



5i PARADISE LOST. [Book H 

A hideous peal ; yet, when they list, would creep, 

If aught disturbed their noise, into her womb, 

And kennel there, yet there still barked, and howled 

Within unseen. Far less abhorred than these 

Vexed Scylla, bathing in the sea that parts 660 

Calabria from the hoarse Trinacrian shore ; 

Nor uglier follow the night-hag, when, called 

In secret, riding through the air she comes. 

Lured with the smell of infant blood, to dance 

With Lapland witches, while the laboring moon 66fi 

Eclipses at their charms. / The other shape — 

If shape it might be called that shape had none 

Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb. 

Or substance might be called that shadow seemed, 

For each seemed either — black it stood as Night, 670 

Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell, 

And shook a dreadful dart ; what seemed his head 

The likeness of a kingly crown had on. 

Satan was now at hand, and from his seat 

The monster moving onward came as fast 675 

With horrid strides ; Hell trembled as he strode. 

The undaunted Fiend what this might be admired, 

Admired, not feared ; God and his Son except, 

Created thing nought valued he nor shunned ; 

And with disdainful look thus first began : 680 

'' Whence and what art thou, execrable shape. 
That dar'st, though grim and terrible, advance 
Thy miscreated front athwart my way 

Dd the entrance to the infernal fearful monster having fix hpads 

regions. and barking like a dog. 

659. nhhorred^ to be abliorred. 662. Nor itij;lier^ nor do uglifii 

S60, 661. Vexed Scylla, is Tex- shapes or hounds. 

ed (chafed, lashed) Scylla. — 6G5. laboring. This word h 

Sr.ylla was a rock, thought to be applied by Latin writei's to the 

dangerous to mariners, in the sea moon under eclipse, 

wtjgt of Italy, between Cfilnhria 677. admired, wondered, 

and the Trinacrian (Sicilian) 679. nought nothing; not at 

skore. It was personified by the all. 
ancients, and represented as a 



Bi)OK II.] PARADISE LOST. 55 

To yonder gates ? Through them I mean to pass, 
That be assured, without leave asked of thee. 688 

Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof. 
Hell-born, not to contend with spirits of Heaven." 

To whom the goblin full of wrath replied : 
" Art thou that traitor angel, art thou he 
^\^lO first broke peace in Heaven and faith, till then 
Unbroken, and in proud rebellious arms 691 

Drew after him the third part of Heaven's sons. 
Conjured against the Highest ; for which both thou 
And they, outcast from God, are here condemned 
To waste eternal da}-^ in woe and pain ? 695 

And reckon 'st thou thyself with spirits of Heaven, 
Hell-doomed, and breath'st defiance here and scorn, 
Where I reign king, and, to enrage thee more, 
Thy king and lord ? Back to thy punishment, 
False fugitive ! and to thy speed add wings, 700 

Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue 
Thy lingering, or Avith one stroke of this dart 
Strange horror seize thee, and pangs iinfelt before.** 

So spake the grisly terror, and in shape, 
So speaking and so threatening, grew tenfold 706 

More dreadful and deform. On the other side, 
Incensed with indignation, Satan stood 
Unterrified, and like a comet burned. 
That fires the length of Ophluchus huge 
In the arctic sky, and from his horrid hair 710 

Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head 
Levelled his deadly aim ; their fatal hands 
No second stroke intend ; and such a frown 

693. Conjured, conspired. 710. horrid. See I. 563. 

707. Incensed, kiudled ; in- 711. Snakes pestiUnre mil ivar 

flamed. Comets were anciently suppo8e<| 

709. Ophiuvhus, or Serpenta- to foretell or bring public caliun- 

tius, is a northern constellation ities. 
which winds about the Pole. 



56 PARADISE LOST. [Book II 

Each cast at the other, as when two bhack clouds 

With heaven's artillery fraught come rattling on 711 

Over the Caspian; then stand front to front, 

Hovering a space, till winds the signal blow 

To join their dark encounter in mid-air : 

So frowned the mighty combatants, that Hell 

Grew darker at their frown ; so matched they stood ; 

For never but once more was either like 721 

To meet so great a foe. And now great deeds 

Had been achieved, whereof all Hell had rung, 

Had not the snaky sorceress that sat 

Fast by Hell-gate and kept the fatal key, 725 

Risen, and with hideous outcry rushed between. 

" O father ! what intends thy hand," she cried, 
" Against thy only son ? What fury, O son. 
Possesses thee to bend that mortal dart 
Against thy fother's head ? and know'st for Avhom ? 
For him who sits above, and laughs the while 731 

At thee ordained his drudge, to execute 
Whate'er his wrath, which he calls justice, bids ; 
His wrath, which one day will destroy ye both ! " 

She spake, and at her words the hellish pest 735 
Foreborc ; then these to her Satan returned : 

" So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange 
Thou interposest, that my sudden hand. 
Prevented, spares to tell thee yet by deeds 
What it intends, till first I know of thee 74Q 

What thing thou art, thus double-formed, and why 
[n this infernal vale first met, thou call'st 

716. the Caspian. The Caspian See 1 Cor. xv. 25, 26, and Ileb. iL 

Bea Is said to be very tempest- 14. 
uous. 723. Harl., would have. ~kad 

721. like., likely. nuii^, would have rung. 

722. To meet so great a foe. 725. Fast by. See I. 12. 
WTien Christ would subdue them. 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 67 

Me father, and that phantasm call'st my son : 

r know thee not, nor ever saw till now 

Sight more detestable than hun and thee/* 74fi 

To whom thus the portress of Hell-gate replied : 
" Hast thou forgot me then, and do I seem 
Now in thine eye so foul, once deemed so fair 
In Heaven ? when at the assembly, and in sight 
Of all the Seraphim with thee combined 750 

In bold conspiracy against Pleaven's king, 
All on a sudden miserable pain 
Surprised thee, dim thine eyes, and dizzy swum 
In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast 
Threw forth ; till, on the left side opening wide, 755 
Likest to thee in shape and countenance bright, 
Then shining heavenly fiir, a goddess armed, 
Out of thy head I sprung : amazement seized 
All the host of Heaven ; back they recoiled, afraid 
At fii-st, and called me Sin, and for a sign 760 

Portenteous held me ; but familiar grown 
I pleased, and with attractive graces won 
The most averse, thee chiefly, who full ofl 
Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing 
Becam'st enamored, and such joy thou took'st 765 

With me in secret, that my womb conceived 
A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose, 
And fields were fought in Heaven, wherein remained 
(For what could else ?) to our almighty foe 
Clear victory, to our part loss and rout, 770 

Tlirough all the erapyre'an : down they fell, 
Driven headlong from the pitch of Heaven, down 
Into this deep, and in the general fill 
I also ; at which time this powerful key 
Cnto my hand was given, with charge to keep mf 

758. I sprung, as Minerva from est heaven ; the purest el* 
the bead of Jove. ment. From the Greek for fire. 

771. the empyrean, the high- 772. pitc/i, hei;cht. 



58 PARABIbE LOST. [Book II 

These gates forever shut, which none can pass 

Without my opcningt Pensive here I sat 

Alone, but long I sat not, till my womb, 

Pregnant by thee and noAv excessive grown, 

Prodigious motion felt and rueful throes. 780 

At last this odious offspring wdiom thou seest, 

Thine own begotten, breaking violent way, 

Tore through my entrails ; that, with fear and pain 

Distorted, all my nether shape thus grew 

Transformed ; but he, my inbred enemy, ' 786 

Forth-issued, brandishing his fatal dart 

Made to destroy : I fled, and cried out Death! 

Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sighed 

From all her caves, and back resounded DeatJi I 

I fled, but he pursued (though more, it seems, 790 

Inflamed with lust than rage) and, s\vifter far, 

Me overtook, his mother, all dismayed, 

And in embraces forcible and foul, 

Ingendering with me, of that rape begot 

These yelling monsters, that with ceaseless cry 79e 

Surround me, as thou saw'st, hourly conceived, 

And hourly born, Avith sorrow infinite 

To me ; for, when they list, into the womb 

That bred them they return, and howl, and gnaw 

My bowels, their repast ; then bursting forth 800 

Afresh, with conscious terrors vex me round, 

That rest or intermission none I find. 

Before mine eyes in opposition sits 

Grim Death, my son and foe, who sets them on, 

And me his parent would full soon devour 30| 

For want of other prey, but that he knows 

His end with mine involved, and knows that 1 

Should prove a bitter morsel and his bane, 

Whenever that shall be ; so Fate pronounced. 

But thou, O father ! I forewarn thee, shun 918 

Hip deadly aiTOw neither vainly hope 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 59 

To be invulnerable in those briglit arms, 

Though tempered heavenly ; for that mortal dint, 

Save he who reigns above, none can resist." 

She finished, and the subtle Fiend his lore 81B 

Soon learned, now milder, and thus answered smooth : 

« Dear daughter, since thou claim'st me for thy 
sire, 
And my fair son here show'st me (the dear pledge 
Of dalliance had with thee in Heaven, and joys 
Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire change 
Befallen us, unforeseen, unthought of), know 821 

I come no enemy, but to set free 
From out this dark and dismal house of pain 
Both him and thee, and all the heavenly host 
Of spirits that, in our just pretences armed, 825 

Fell with us from on high : from them I go 
This uncouth errand sole, and one for all 
Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread 
The unfounded deep, and through the void imrnenc^ 
To search with Avandering quest a place foretold 830 
Should be, and, by concurring signs, ere nov/ 
Created vast and round, a place of bliss 
In the purlieus of Heaven, and therein placed 
A race of upstart creatures, to supply 
Perhaps our vacant room, though more removed, 835 
Lest Heaven, surcharged with potent multitude, 
Might hap to move new broils. Be this or aught 
Than this more secret now designed, I haste 



%\Z. tempered heavenly. See 830. /oretoW, which it haabeea 

1. 285. — (i/H/, stroke. foretold. 

825. pretences, claims ; preten- 837. woi-p, excite. — Se «A«, 

tions. whether this or aiiglit more 

827. uncouth. See liae 407. secret than this be noio Ue- 

iole, alone ; b}- in5'self. signed. 

829. imfnundi'il, bottomless, or 
without foundation. 



00 PARADISE LOST. [Book 11 

To know ; and, tlils once known, shall soon return, 
And bring ye to the place where thou and Death 
Shall dwe 1 at ease, and up and down unseen 841 

Wing silently the buxom air, embalmed 
With odors : there ye shall be fed and filled 
Immeasurably, all things shall be your prey.'* 

He ceased, for both seemed highly pleased, and 
Death 845 

Grinned horrible a ghastly smile, to hear 
His famine should be filled, and blessed his maw- 
Destined to that good hour : no less rejoiced 
His mother bad, and thus baspake her sire : 

" The key of this infernal pit, by due 850 

And by command of Heaven's all-powerful king, 

1 keep, by him forbidden to unlock 
These adamantine gates ; against all force 
Death ready stands to interpose his dart, 

Fearless to be o'ermatched by living might. 855 

But what owe I to his commands above 

Who hates me and hath hither thrust me down 

Into this gloom of Tartarus profound, 

To sit in hateful office here confined, 

Inhabitant of Heaven and heavenly-born, 860 

Here in perpetual agony and pain. 

With terrors and with clamors compassed round 

Of mine OAvn brood that on my bowels feed ? 

Thou art my father, thou my author, thou 

My being gav'st me ; whom should I obey 861 

But thee ? whom follow ? Thou wilt bring me soon 

To that new world of light and bliss, among 

The gods who live at ease, where I shall reign 

842. buxom, yielding ; obe- 850. bj/ due, by due right, 

dient. — embalmed, made balmy, 855. Fearless, not fearing 

ir fragrant. 858. Tartarus^ Hell. 

347. famine, hunger ; craving. 



BooKlI] PARADISE LOST. 61 



At thy rlgl.t hand voluptuous, as beseems 
Thy daughter and thy darling 



870 



Thus saying, from her side the fatal key, 
Sad instrument of all our woe, she took ; 
And, towards the gate rolling her bestial train, 
Forth-vvith the huge portcullis high up-drew ; 
Which but herself not all the Stygian powers 878 

Could once have moved ; then in the key-hole turns 
The intricate wards, and every bolt and bar 
Of massy iron or solid rock with ease 
Unfastens : on a sudden open fly 
With impetuous recoil and jarring sound 880 

The infernal doors, and on their hinges grate 
Harsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook 
Of Erebus. She opened, but to shut 
Excelled her power ; the gates wide open stood, 
That with extended wings a bannered host, 886 

Under spread ensigns marching, might pass through 
With horse and chariots ranked in loose array ; 
So wide they stood, and like a furnace mouth 
Cast forth redounding smoke and ruddy flame. 

Before their eyes in sudden view appear 890 

The secrets of the hoary deep, a dark 
Illimitable ocean, without bound. 
Without dimension; where length, breadth, and 

highth, 
And time and place are lost ; where eldest Nio-ht 
And Chaos, ancestors of Nature, hold gge 

Eternal anarchy amidst the noise 
Of endless wars, and by confusion stand : 
For Hot, Cold, Moist, and Dry, four champions fierce, 

877. wards, diyLsions or parts 883. Erebus, the place of dark. 
61 a lock, here applied to a ness ; II"!!. 

^lao QQ- w , *u ^ ^^^- ^'^^^^^«': Creation; the 

vw, bSo. that, so that. world of organized matf«r. 



62 PARADISE LOST. [Book Ij. 

Strl%c here for mastery, and to battle bring 

Their embryon atoms ; they around the flag 90C 

Of each his faction, in their several clans, 

Light armed or heavy, sharp, smooth, swifts or slow, 

Swarm populous, unnumbered as the sands 

Of Barca or Gyrene's torrid soil, 

Levied to side with warring winds, and poise 908 

Tlieir lighter wings. To whom these most adhere, 

He rules a moment ; Chaos umpire sits. 

And by decision more embroils the fray 

By which he reigns; next him high arbiter 

Chance governs all. Into this wild abyss — 910 

The womb of Nature and perhaps her grave, 

Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire. 

But all these in their pregnant causes mixed 

Confusedly, and whicli tluis must ever fight. 

Unless the Almighty Maker them ordain 915 

His dark materials to create more worlds — 

Into this wild abyss the wary Fiend 

Stood on the brink of IIcll, and looked awhile, 

Pondering his voyage ; for no narrow frith 

He had to cross : nor was his ear less pealed 930 

With noises loud and ruinous (to compare 

Great things with small) than when BcUona storms 

With all her battering engines bent to rase 

Some capital city ; or less than if this frame 

Of heaven were falling, and tbese elements 926 

[n mutiny had from her axle torn 

The steadfast earth. At last his sail-broad vans 

900. emhryon^Grvibrjo. whom. — these most, most of 

901. Of each, ea,ch of; or each the.<5e atoms. 

lis is each's, each, one's. 920. pealed, assailed or stunned 

903 unnumbered, innumera- as with a peal. 

ble. 921 ruinous, like that of the 

904. Barca and Cyrene were in fall of buildings. 

Ihe north of Africa. 922. Bellona, the Roman god 

905. poise, give weight to. dess of war. 

906. To- v)hom, he (that is, 923. rase, raze ; overthrow. 
either hot, cold, moist, or dry) to 927. vans, wings. 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 63 

He spreads for fli.c^lit, and in the surging smoke 

Uplifted spurns tlie ground ; thence many a league 

As in a cloudy chair ascending rides ^''^ 

Audacious ; but, that seat soon failing, meets 

A vast vacuity : all unawares. 

Fluttering his pennons vain, plumb down he drops 

Ton thousand fathom deep, and to this hour 

Down had been foiling, had not by ill chance 98fi 

The strong rebutf of some tumultuous cloud, 

Instinct Avith fire and nitre, hurried him 

As many miles aloft : that fury stayed, 

Quenched in a boggy Syrtis, neither sea 

Nor good dry land, nigh foundered on he fares, wo 

Treading the crude consistence, half on foot. 

Half flying ; behooves him now both oar and sail. 

As when a gryphon through the wilderness 

With winged course o'er hill or moory dale 

Pursues the Arimaspian, Avho.by stealth 946 

Had from his wakeful custody purloined 

The guarded gold, so eagerly the Fiend 

O'er bog or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or 

rare. 
With head, hands, wings, or feet, pursues his way, 
And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies. 95C 
At length a universal hubbub wild 
Of stunning sounds and voices all confused. 



929. spur7is, presses -with his 911. cntrfe consistence, sub 

foot ia springing. stance not yet firm. 

931. Audncious. bold ; daring. 942. behooves him now, aad 

933. pennonx, wings. — plumb, now he needs, 

in a peroendicular direction ; like 943-947. gryp/jow, or griffin, 

a plumb-line. This wa.s a fabulous monster, 

935. had See line 723. — had said to have had the head and 

not. \fthe strons rebuffhsiA not. wings of an eagle with the body 

937. 1)1 St; net, excited ; stirred of a lion, and to have been found 

938. stalled, being stayed ; hav- in the mountainous regions north 
iiig ceased". of Scythia, the gold of which i1 

939. Syrtis, a quicksand. guarded. The one-eyed Anmas- 
ftiO. nigh, almost. pians, a people of Scythia, some 

times purloined this gold. 



64 PARADISE LOST. [Book H 

Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear 

With loudest vehemence : thither he plies 

Undaunted, to meet there Avhatever Power 955 

Or Spirit of the nethermost abyss 

Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask 

Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies 

Bordering on light ; when straight behold the throne 

Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread 960 

Wide on the wasteful deep ! AVith him enthroned 

Sat sable-vested Night, eldest of things. 

The consort of his reign ; and l^y them stood 

Orcus and Ades, and the dreaded name 

Of Demogorgon ; Rumor next and Chance, 965 

And Tumult and Confusion all embroiled, 

And Discord with a thousand various mouths. 

To whom Satan turning boldly, thus : — " Ye Powera 

And Spirits of this nethermost abyss, 

Chaos and ancient Night, I come no spy 970 

With purpose to explore or to disturb 

The secrets of your realm ; but by constraint 

Wandering this darksome desert, as my way 

lies through your spacious empire up to light, 

Alone and without guide, half lost, I seek 975 

What readiest path leads where your gloomy bounds 

Confine with Heaven ; or if some other place 

From your dominion won the ethereal king 

Possesses lately, thither to arrive 

I travel this profound. Direct my course : 980 

954. plies^ bends his way ; See Spenser's Faenj Qiicene^ Can- 
hastens, to I. Stanza xxxrii. : 

959. straight, straightway ; im- „ ^ ^,„,^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ j^ ^^^ 

mediately. V,y ^ame 

964. Orcus and Aries (OTllndes). Great Gorgon, prince of durkaew 

These were names given by the «nd dead night, 

nucients to Pluto, the god of the ^^ which Cocytus quakes, and Styx 

lower or nether world, and also "^ ^"^ ^" '^'S'u. 

applied to his dominions. — the 977. Confine with, border up- 

dreaded name. The ancients were on ; have limits together with, 

superstitiously afraid of uttering 979. Possesses lately, ha£ latelj 

the word Gorgon or Dcrnvfiorgon. taken po.ssessiou of. 



BoKlL] PARADISE LOST. 65 

Directed, no mean recompense it brings 

To your behoof, if I that region lost, 

All usurpation thence expelled, reduce 

To her original darkness and your sway 

(AVhich Is my present journey), and once more 966 

Erect tlie standard there of ancient Night ; 

Yours be the advantage all, mine the revenge I ^' 

Thus Satan ; and him thus the Anarch old, 
With laltering speech and visage incomposed. 
Answered : — " I know thee, stranger, Avho thou 
art, 990 

That mighty leading angel, who of late 
Made head against Heaven's king, though over- 
thrown. 
I saw and heard ; for such a numerous host 
Fled not in silence through the frighted deep, 
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, 996 

Confusion worse confounded ; and Heaven-gates 
Poured out by millions her victorious bands 
Pursuing. I upon my frontiers here 
Keep residence ; if all I can will serve 
That little which is left so to defend, lOOO 

Encroached on still through your intestine broils 
Weakening the sceptre of old Xight : first Hell, 
Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath ; 
Now lately heaven and earth, another world 
Hung o'er my realm, linked in a golden chain 1005 
To that side Heaven from whence your legions fell : 
If that way be your Avalk, you have not far ; 
So much the nearer danger. Go and speed I 
Havoc and spoil and ruin are my gain." 

985. TWuc/i is, which is the 1002. first Hell, first to en 

purpose of. ' croach was Hell. 

989. incomposed, disturbed , 1007. far, far to go. 

discomposed. 1008. the nearer danger^ th« 

999. if all I can, to try if all nearer is danger, 
that 1 can do. 

5 



6G PARADISE LOST. [Book II 

He ceased, and Satan staid not to reply, lOK 

But, glad that now the sea should find a shore, 
With fresh alacrity and force renewed 
Springs upward, like a pyramid of fire, 
Into the wild expanse ; and through the shock 
Of fighting elements, on all sides round lOlf 

Environed, wins his way ; harder beset 
And more endangered than when Argo passed 
Through Bosporus betwixt the justling rocks ; 
Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunned 
Charybdis, and by the other whirlpool steered. lost? 
So he with difficulty and labor hard 
Moved on, with difficulty and labor he ; 
But he once passed, soon after when Man fell — 
Strange alteration ! — Sin and Death amain 
Following his track (such was the will of Heaven) 
Paved after him a broad and beaten way 102<5 

Over the dark abyss, whose boiling gulf 
Tamely endured a bridge of wondrous length 
From Hell continued, reaching the utmost orb 
Of this frail World ; by which the spirits perverse 
With easy intercourse pass to and fro 1031 

To tempt or punish mortals, except whom 
God and good angels guard by special grace. 

But now at last the sacred influence 
Of light appears, and from the walls of Heaven 1035 
Shoots far into the bosom of dim night 
A glimmering dawn : here Nature first begins 

1016-1018. When the ship -ilrg-o the Odj'ssey. Among them was 

was on its way to Colchis for the his escape from tlie dangers of 

recovery of the golden fleece, Scylla (see note to line GGO) and 

which had heen carried thither, Charybdis, the names of a rock 

It passed, at the entrance of the and whirlpool between Italy and 

Euxine (or Black) Sea from the Sicily. 

Bospims, between the rocks 1029. utmost, extreme; outer- 
tailed the Symplegades, which most. See line 1039. 
then closed behind it. 1032. tvJiom, those whom. 

1019, 1020. The adventures of 1037. Nature. See line 896. 
Ulysses are related by Ilomer in 



Book 11.] PARADISE LOST. 67 

Her farthest verge, and Chaos to retire, 

As from her outmost works, a broken foe, 

With tumult less and with less hostile din ; 1040 

That Satan, with less toil and now with ease, 

Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light ; 

And like a weather-beaten vessel holds 

Gladly the port, though shrouds and tackle torn : 

Or In the emptier waste resembling air 1016 

Weighs his spread wings, at leisure to behold 

Far off the empyreal Heaven, extended wide 

In circuit undetermined square or round. 

With opal towers and battlements adorned 

Of living sapphire, once his native seat ; 1060 

And fast by, hanging in a golden chain. 

This pendent World, In bigness as a star 

Of smallest magnitude close by the moon. 

Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge, 

Accursed and in a cursed hour, he hies. 1066 

1038. to retire, begins to retire. 1046. Weighs, balances ; poises. 

1041. That, 60 that. — with 1848. undetermined, not to iM 
less, first with less. determined whether. 

1043. holds, gains, or has 
reached. 



BOOK ffl. 

THE ARGUMENT 

GrOD sittin,^ on his throne sees Satan fljing towards this world, then 
newly created ; shows him to the Son who sat at his right hand ; 
foretells the success of Satan in perverting mankind ; clears hifl 
own justice and wisdom from all imputation, having created man 
free, and able enough to have withstood his tempter ; j-et declares 
his purpose of grace towards him, in regard he fell not of his own 
malice, as did Satan, but by him seduced. The Son of God ren- 
ders praises to his Father for the manifestation of his gracious 
purpose towards Man ; but God again declares, that grace cannot 
be extended towards Man without the satisfaction of divine justice ; 
Man hath offended the majesty of God by aspiring to Godhead, and 
therefore with all his progeny devoted to death must die, unless 
some one can be found sufficient to answer for his offence and 
undergo his punishment. The Son of God freely offers himself a 
ransom for Man ; the Father accepts him, ordains his incarnation, 
pronounces his exaltation above all names in Heaven and Earth ; 
commands all the angels to adore him ; they obey, and hymning 
to their harps in full choir, celebrate the Father and the Son. 
Meanwhile Satan alights upon the bare convex of this world's out- 
ermost orb ; where wandering he first finds a place, since called 
the Limbo of Vanity ; what persons and things fly up thither ; 
thence comes to the gate of Ileaven, described ascending by stairs, 
and the waters above the firmament that flow about it ; his pas- 
sage thence to the orb of the sun ; he finds there Uriel, the regent 
of that orb ; but first changes himself into the shape of a meaner 
angel, and pretending a zealous desii-e to behold the new creation 
and Man whom God had placed there inquires of him the place of 
his habitation, and is directed ; alights first on Mount Niphates. 

Hail, holy Light, offspring of Heaven first-born 1 

Or of the eternal coeternal beam 

May I express thee unblamed ? since God is light, 

1, first-born. See Genesis i. 3. out blame call thee. — is light 
3. ixpress thee unblamed. with- See 1 John i. 6. 



Book III._) PARADISE LOST. $9 

And never but in unapproached light 

Dwelt from eternity ; dwelt then in thee, s 

Bright effluence of bright essence increate ! 

Or hearest thou rather pure ethereal stream, 
\, Whose fountain who shall tell ? before the sun, 
\ > Before the heavens thou Avert, and at the voice 
•■ ^ Of God, as with a mantle, didst invest lo 

V ■■- The rising world of waters dark and deep, 

Won from the void and formless infinite. 

Thee I revisit now with bolder wing, 
^xi Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained 

In that obscure sojourn, wdiile in my flight 15 

.^ ^ Through utter and through middle darkness borne, 
" V With other notes than to the Orphe'an lyre, 
.^ I sung of Chaos and eternal Night ; 
y_ Taught by the heavenly Muse to venture down 
^ Tlie dark descent, and up to reascend, go 

' - Though hard and rare; thee I revisit safe, 

And feel thy sovran vital lamp ; but thou 

Revisit'st not these eyes, that roll in vain 

4. unapproached. " Dwelling; in with his music not men culy, but 

the light which no man can ap- also beasts, and even rocks and 

proach unto." 1 Timothy vi. 16. trees. Avhich moved from their 

6. increate perhaps refers to' places to follow the sound of his 
effluence. golden harp. His Ivre was placed 

7. hearest thou rather. This is among the constellations, perhaps 
a Latinism, meaning dost thou because he was the first who ia- 
prefer to be called. troduced music into the worahip 

10. as ivith a mantle. See of the gods. 

Psalm ci\. 2.— invest. Seel. l^. the heavenly Muse. ^z^l.Q. 

208. 21. rare, seldom tried. 

14. Escaped., escaped from.— 22. sovran (sovereign) lamp, 

Stygian pool. See I. 239. the sun, whose warmth Milton 

16. utter. See I. 72. could feel, though he could uot 

17. With other notes, " with see its light. 

Dotes different from those which 22-26. His eyesight had been 
were sung to the Orphean lyre ; long decaying, and at the time 
for Milton drew from the Sacred this poem was written was en- 
Scriptures, and probalily believed tirely gone. He seems uncertain 
himself to be in some sort in- whether the disease by which his 
spired ; while the song of Or- blinlness was occasioned was 
pheus and the Orphic hymn to caused by " gutta serena," drop 
Night were only the products of serene, ovhy dim suffiiswn,-pvoh 
human imagination." Orpheus ably cataract. — veiled, veiled 
»vas a Thracian bard,who charmcJ them. 



70 PARADISE LOST, [Book Itt 

To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn ; 

So thick a drop serene hath quenched their orbs, 26 

Or dim suffusion veiled. Yet not the more 

Cease I to wander where the Muses haunt 

Clear spring, or shady grove, or sunny hill, 

Smit with the love of sacred song ; but chief 

Thee, Sion, and the flowery brooks beneath 86 

That wash thy hallowed feet and warbling flow, 

Nightly I visit ; nor sometimes forget 

Those other two equalled with me in fate. 

So were I equalled with them in renown. 

Blind Thamyris and blind Ma3onides, 8S 

And Tiresias and Phineus, prophets old : 

Then feed on thoughts that voluntary move 

Harmonious numbers ; as the wakeful bird 

Sings darkling, and in shadiest covert hid 

Tunes her nocturnal note. Thus with the year 40 

Seasons return ; but not to me returns 

Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn, 

Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose, 

Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine ; 

But cloud instead, and ever-during dark 4b 

Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men 

Cut off, and for the book of knowledge fair 

26. Yet not the more cease 7, to a trial of skill, and for his pre- 
Devertheless I do not on this ac- sumption was by them deprived 
count cease. of sight. His story was sung by 

27. to wander^ that is, in im- Homer, who is also called Moion- 
ngination, recalling poetic scenes, ides. 

— the Muses, nine in number, 36. Tiresias was a blind seer or 

were the goddesses of song, by soothsayer of ITiebes. — Phineus 

whom poets were inspired. Many was also blind, and gifted by 

& clear spring in Greece was sa- Apollo with prophetic powers. — 

cred to the Muses, especially the This line begins, like some other 

fountain of Ciustalia on Mount lines in MRton, with a foot oi 

Parnassus, and that of Hippo- three syllables. 

erene on Mount Helicon, near 37. feed, I feed. — voluntary, oi 

nrhich was a shady grove, their themselves; without effort, 

peculiar seat. See 1. 15. 3S. the wakeful bird, the laght- 

30. btooks, Kedron and Siloa. ingale 

See 1.10-12. 45. dark, dAvknesa. 

35. Thamyris was a Thracian 47. for, instead of. 
bard who challenged the Muses 



Book III.] PAR-AD ISE LOST. 71 

Presented with a universal blank 
Of Nature's works to me expunged and rased, 
And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out. 64 

So much the rather thou, celestial light ! 
Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers 
Irradiate ; there plant eyes, all mist from thence 
Purge and disperse, that I may see and tell 
jQf things invisible to mortal sight. 5fi 

Now had the Almighty Father from above, 
From the pure empyrean where he sits 
High throned above all height, bent down his eye, 
His own works and their works at once to view. 
About him all the Sanctities of Heaven 6U 

Stood thick as stars, and from his sight received 
Beatitude past utterance ; on his right 
The radiant image of his glory sat. 
His only Son : on Earth he first beheld 
Our two first parents, yet the only two 68 

Of mankind, in the happy garden placed, 
Reaping immortcd fruits of joy and love, 
Uninterrupted joy, unrivalled love. 
In blissful solitude. He then surveyed 
Hell and the gulf between, and Satan there TO 

Coasting the wall of Heaven on this side Night, 
In the dun air sublime, and ready now 
To stoop with wearied wings and willing feet 
On the bare outside of this World, that seemed 

76 

49. rased, erased ; effaced. 71. on this side Night, on this 

57. empyrean. See II. 771. side of Night, the utter diivknees. 

69. their. The antecedent is See line 16. 

t{-oris, just before. 72. the dim air, the middle 

60. Sn7ictities, holy beings. darkness, where was a glimmer' 

62. Bertn7»^f, blesaednes^s. ing dawn. Sec II. 103-f-1042. — 

03. image. "The bri^rhtness sublime. See II. 528. 

of his glory, and the express iui- 74. World, universe ; whoU 

age of his person " Hebrews i. 3. system of created things See II 

65. yet., as yet 10.51-1055. 



72 PARADISE LOST. [Book III 

tJncertaIn which, in ocean or in air. 
Him God beholding from his prospect high, 
Wherein past, present, future he beholds, 
Thus to his only Sou foreseeing spake : 

" Only-begotten Son, seest thou what rage so 

Transports our Adversary, whom no bounds 
Prescribed, no bars of Hell, nor all the chains 
Heaped on him there, nor yet the main abyss 
Wide interrupt, can hold ; so bent he seems 
On desperate revenge, that shall redound ?g 

Upon his own rebellious head? And now, 
Through all restraint broke loose, he wings his way 
Not far off Heaven, in the precincts of light, 
Directly towards the new-created world, 
And Man there placed, with purpose to assay 90 

If him by force he can destroy, or worse, 
By some false guile pervert ; and shall pervert ; 
For man will hearken to his glozing lies, 
And easily transgress the sole command, 
Sole pledge of his obedience : so will fall 95 

He and his faithless progeny. Whose fliult ? 
Whose but his own ? Ingrate, he had of me 
All he could have : I made him just and right, 
Sufficient to have stood, though free to faU. 
Such I created all the ethereal Powers leo 

And Spirits, both them who stood, and them who 

failed ; 
Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell. 
Not free, what proof could they have given sincere 
Of true allegiance, constant faith, or love, 
Where only Avhat they needs must do appeared, 105 

76. hi ocean or in air, icncer- 98. I marie hitn jiixt and right 
tain which. See Ecclesijv^tes vii. 29. 

83. main, vast. 103. Not free, if they had nol 

84. Wide /;iirrn<;i« (participle), been free. 

spread wide between. 105. appeared, would have ap 

88. precincts of light, regions peared. 
bordering on the realms of light. 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST. 73 

Not what they would? What praise couhl they 

receive ? 
What pleasure I from such obedience paid, 
When will and reason (reason also is choice), 
Useless and vain, of freedom both despoiled, 
Made passive both, had served necessity, UO 

Not me ? They therefore, as to right belonged. 
So were created, nor can justly accuse 
Their Maker, or their making, or their flite ; 
As if predestination overruled 

Their will, disposed by absolute decree 115 

Or high foreknowledge. They themselves decreed 
Their own revolt, not I : if I foreknew, 
Foreknowledge had no influence on their fliult. 
Which had no less proved certain unforeknown. 
So without least impulse or shadow of fate, 120 

Or aught by me immutably foreseen, 
They trespass, authors to themselves in all, 
Both what they judge and what they choose ; for so 
I formed them free, and free they must remain, 
Till they enthrall' themselves ; I else must change 125 
Their nature, and revoke the high decree 
Unchangeable, eternal, which ordained 
Their freedom ; they themselves ordained their fall. 
The first sort hy their own suggestion fell. 
Self-tempted, self-depraved : Man falls, deceived lao 
By the other first ; Man therefore shall find grace, 
The other none. In mercy and justice both, 
Through Heaven and Earth, so shall my glory excel 
But mercy first and last shall brightest shine." 

Thus while God spake, ambrosial fragrance filled 
AJl Heaven, and in the blessed spirits elect 18€ 

110. had, would have. 117. if, though. 

111. aston^kthdoiiged,&s\fd.3, 129. The Jirst sort, the rebel 
consistent with right. angels 



74 PARADISE L03T. [Book III 

Sense of neA^ joy ineffable diffused. 

Beyond compare the Son of God was seen 

Most glorious ; in him all his Father shone 

Substantially expressed, and in his face 140 

Divine compassion visibly appeared, 

Love without end, and without measure grace, 

Which uttering, thus he to his Father spake ; 

" O Father, gracious was that word which closed 
Thy sovran sentence, that man should find grace ; 
For which both Heaven and Earth shall high extol 
Thy praises, with the innumerable sound 147 

Of hynnis and sacred songs, wherewith thy throne 
Encompassed shall resound thee ever blest. 
For should Man finally be lost, should Man, 150 

Thy creature late so lov'ed, thy youngest son. 
Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though joined 
With his own folly ? that be from thee far, 
That far be from thee. Father, who art j udge 
Of all things made, and judgest only right. 156 

Or shall the Adversary thus obtain 
His end, and frustrate thine ? shall he fulfil 
His malice, and thy goodness bring to naught ; 
Or proud return, though to his heavier doom, 
Yet with revenge accomplished, and to Hell leo 

Draw after him the whole race of mankind. 
By him corrupted ? or wilt thou thyself 
Abolish thy creation, and unmake, 
For him, what for thy glory thou hast made ? 
So should thy goodness and thy greatness both 16! 
Be questioned and blasphemed Avithout defence " 

To wliom the great Creator thus replied : 
O Son, in Avhom my soul hatli chief delight, 

110. See Ileb. i. 3, where MUton 149. resound^ praise ; celebrate 
eads " iBubstauce " for " person." 153-155. See Geuesia y.viii. 26 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST. 75 

Son of my bosom, Son who art alone 

My word, my Avisdom, and efl'ectual might, 170 

All hast thou spoken as my thoughts are, ail 

As my eternal purpose hath decreed. 

Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will ; 

Yet not of will in him, but grace in me 

Freely vouchsafed ; once more I will renew 178 

His lapsed powers, though forfeit and enthralled 

By sin to foul exorbitant desires ; 

Upheld by me yet once more he shall stand 

On even ground against his mortal foe ; 

By me upheld, that he may know hoAV frail 18C 

His fallen condition is, and to me owe 

All his deliverance, and to none but me. 

Some I have chosen of peculiar grace 

Elect above the rest — so is my will ; — 

The rest shall hear me call, and oft be warned 185 

Their sinful state, and to appease betimes 

The incensed Deity, while offered grace 

Invites ; for I will clear their senses dark 

What may suffice, and soften stony hearts 

To pray, repent, and bring obedience due. 190 

To prayer, repentance, and obedience due, 

Though but endeavored with sincere intent. 

Mine ear shall not be slow, mine eye not shut ; 

And I will place within them as a guide 

My umpire Conscience, whom if they will hear, iSfi 

Light after light well used they shall attain. 

And to the end persisting safe arrive. 

This my long sufferance and my daj cf grace 

They who neglect and scorn shall never taste ; 

176. lapsed, fallen from a state 192. Thougli but endeavored, 

of innocence or pei-fectioa. though only attempted. 

185. teamed, warned of; re- lUo. hear, obey. See Luke xvi 

minded of. 29. 

189. What 7vay sufiire, so far as 197. to the end persisting. "He 

nteds or may besuffuieut. — so/tfn that endureth to the end shall be 

sto7it/ hearts. See Ezek. xxxvi. 26 saved." Matthew x. 22. 



76 PARADISE LOST. [Book IIL 

But hard be hardened, blind be blinded more, aOO 

That they may stumble on and deeper fall ; 

And none but such from mercy I exclude. 

But yet all is not done ; Man disobeying, 

Disloyal breaks his fealty, and sins 

Against the high supremacy of Heaven, 201 

Affecting Godhead, and so, losing all. 

To expiate his treason hath nought left, 

But to destruction sacred and devote 

He with his whole posterity must die, 

Die he or Justice must ; unless for him 210 

Some other able, and as willing, pay 

The rigid satisfaction, death for death. 

Say, heavenly Powers, Avhere shall we find such love ? 

Which of ye will be mortal to redeem 

Man's mortal crime, and just the unjust to save ? 216 

Dwells in all Heaven charity so dear ? " 

He asked, but all the heavenly choir stood mute, 
And silence was in Heaven : on Man's behalf 
Patron or intercessor none appeared ; 
Much less that durst upon his own head draw 22C 
The deadly forfeiture, and ransom set. 
And now without redemption all mankind 
Must have been lost, adjudged to death and Hell 
By doom severe, had not the Son of God, 
In whom the fulness dwells of love divine, 226 

His dearest mediation thus renewed : 

" Father, thy word is passed, INIan shall find grace 
And shall grace not find means, that finds her way. 
The speediest of thy winged messengers, 
To visit all thy creatures, and to all 23J 

206. Affecting, aiming at ; as- 218. silence. " There was si 

piling to. See Gen. iii. 5. lence in Heaven " Rev. viii. 1. 

208. snrreff, dedicated. — de- 22b. fuhiess. " In hijn dwell- 

vote, devoted. eth all the fulness of the Godh3a«J 

216. just. " The just for the bolily Coiossiaus ii. 9. 
unjust." 1 Peter iii. 18. 



BooKni.] PARADISE LOST. 77 

Ccmes unprevented, unimplored, unsought ? 

Happy for INIan, so comino- ! he her aid 

Can never seek, once dead in sins and lost ; 

Atonement for himself or offering meet, 

Indebted and undone, hath none to bring. asa 

Behold me then ; me for him, life for life 

I offer ; on me let thine anger fall ; 

Account me Man : I for his sake will leave 

Thy bosom, and this glory next to thee 

Freely put off, and for him lastly die 210 

Well pleased ; on me let Death wreak all his rage. 

Under his gloomy power I shall not long 

Lie vanquished ; thou hast given me to possess 

Life in myself forever ; by thee I live, 

Though now to Death I yield, and am his due, 245 

All that of me can die ; yet that debt paid. 

Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsome grave 

His prey, nor suffer my unspotted soul 

Forever with corruption there to dwell ; 

But I shall rise victorious, and subdue 250 

My vanquisher, spoiled of his vaunted spoil ; 

Death his death's wound shall then receive, and stoop 

Inglorious, of his mortal sting disarmed. 

I through the ample air in triumph high 

Shall lead Hell captive maugre Hell, and show 255 

The powers of darkness bound. Thou, at the sight 

Pleased, out of Heaven shalt look down and smile, 

While by thee raised I ruin all my foes, 

Death last, and with his carcass glut the grave : 

Then with the multitude of my redeemed 26C 

231. unprevented, without pre- 247-249. See Psalm xtI. 10. 

rious supplication or entreaty, as 2bb. captive. "He led cap- 

a free gift. tiyity captire." Ephes. iy. 8. 

QS&. dead in sins. See Ephe- See also Psalm Ixviii. IS. — »ja«- 

sians, ii. 1, 5. gr?, notwithstanding ; in spite of. 

244. Life in myself. " For as 258. /•?//«, overthrow, 

the Father hath life in himself, so 259. Death last. " The last 

hath he given to the Son to have enemy that shall be destroyed is 

life in himself " John v. 26. death." 1 Corinthians xv. 26. 



yg PARADISE LOST. [Book 111 

Shall enter Heaven, long absent, and return, 
Father, to see thy face, wherein no cloud 
Of anger shall remain, but peace assured 
And reconcilement ; wrath shall be no more 
Thenceforth, but in thy presence joy entire." 265 

His words here ended, but his meek aspect 
Silent yet spake, and breathed immortal love 
To mortal men, above v/hicli only shone 
Filial obedience : as a sacrifice 

Glad to be offered, he attends the will 270 

Of his great Father. Admiration seized 
All Heaven, what this might mean and whither tend 
Wondering ; but soon the Almighty thus replied t 

" O thou in Heaven and Earth the only peace 
Found out for mankind under wrath ! O thou 275 
My sole complacence ! well thou know'st how dear 
To me are all my works, nor ]\Ian the least. 
Though last created, that for him I spare 
Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save, 
By losing theej(ftwhile, the whole race lost. 28C 

Thou, therefore,' whom thou only canst redeem 
Their nature also to thy nature join. 
And be thyself man among men on earth, 
Made flesh, when time shall be, of virgin seed, 
By wondrous birth ; be thou in Adam's room 288 

The head of all mankind, though Adam's son. 
As in him perish all men, so in thee. 
As from a second root, shall be restored 

265. 3oy entire. " In thy pres- pleasure or joy. See Matthew iiL 

ence is fulness of joy." Psalm 17. 

xvi. 11. 282. Their (of tho.se) contains 

270. attends^ waits ; waits to the antecedent of whom in the 
know. preceding line. 

271. Admiration, surprise and 287-289. " For as in Adam all 
wonder. die, even so in Christ shall all be 

276. complacence^ cause of made alive." See 1 Cor. xv. 22. 



«ooK III.] PARADISE LOST. 79 

As many as are restored, without thee none. 

His crime makes guilty all his sons ; thy merit SM 

Imputed shall absolve them who renounce 

Their own both righteous and unrighteous deeds, 

And live in thee tran>planted, and from thee 

Receive new life. So Man, as is most just, 

Shall satisfy for JNIan, be judged and die, 391 

And dying rise, and rising with him raise 

His brethren ransomed with his own dear life. 

So heavenly love shall outdo hellish hate, 

Giving to death, and dying to redeem, 

So dearly to redeem what hellish hate 80O 

So easily destroyed, and still destroys 

In those who, when they may, accept not grace. 

Nor shalt thou by descending to assume 

Man's nature lessen or degrade thine own. 

Because thou hast, though throned in highest bliss, 306 

Equal to God and equally enjoying 

Godlike fruition, quitted all to save 

A world from utter loss, and hast been found 

By merit more than birthright Son of God, 

Found worthiest to be so by being ojood, 810 

Far more than great or high ; becaiBe in thee 

Love hath abounded more than glory abounds ; 

Therefore thy humiliation shall exalt 

With thee thy manhood also to this throne : 

Here shalt thou sit incarnate, here shalt reign S15 

Both God and Man, Son both of God and Man, 

Anointed universal King : all power 

I give thee ; reign forever, and assume 

Thy merits ; under thee, as head supreme, 

Thrones, Princedoms, Powers, Dominions, I reduce ; 

A.11 knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide 821 

305. Look forward to line 313. 317. All poioer. See Matthew* 

307. fruition^ happiness de- xxviii. 18. 

rived from use or possession. 321. All knees to thee shall bow 

515. Here shalt thou sit. See See PhiUppians ii. 9-11. 
Ephes. 1. 20, 21. 



80 PARADISE LOST [Book ID 

fn Heaven, or Earth, or under Earth in Hell. 

When thou, attended gloriously from Heaven, 

Shalt in the sky appear, and from thee send 

The summoning Archangels to proclaim 825 

Thy dread tribunal, forthwith from all winds 

The living, and forthwith the cited dead 

Of all past ages, to the general doom 

Shall hasten, such a peal shall rouse their sleep. 

Then, all thy saints assembled, thou shalt judge 330 

Bad men and angels ; they arraigned shall sink 

Beneath thy sentence ; Hell, her numbers full, 

Thenceforth shall be forever shut. Meanwhile 

The World shall burn, and from her ashes spring 

New heaven and earth, wherein the just shall dwell, 

And after all their tribulations long 336 

See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds. 

With joy and love triumphing, and fair truth. 

Then thou thy regal sceptre shalt lay by, 

For regal sceptre then no more shall need ; 340 

God shall be all in all. But all ye gods. 

Adore him, who to compass all this dies ; 

Adore the Son and honor him as me ! " 

No sooner had the Almighty ceased, but all 
The multitude of angels, Avith a shout dis 

Loud as from numbers without number, sweet 
As from blest voices, uttering joy, Heaven rung 
With jubilee, and loud hosannas filled 
The eternal regions. Lowly reverent 

328-329. See 1 Thess. iv. 16, 17 ; also shall the Son himself be sub- 
Matt, xxiv. 31 ; 1 Cor. xv. 28. ject unto him that put all thing* 

327. cited, summoned. " The under him, that God may be all 

hour is coming, in the which all in all." 1 Cor. xv. 28. 

that are in the graves shall hear 343. hoixor. " That all men 

his voice." John v. 28. should honor the Son. even as 

334,335. See 2 Peter iii. 10-13; they honor the Fathei ' John 

Revelation xxi. 1. v. 23. 

340. need, be necessary. 345. muWtude is construed 

341. "And when all things with uttering, in the case ind« 
shall be subdued unto him, then pendent. 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST. 81 

Towards either throne they bow, and to the ground 

With solemn adoration down they cast jJSl 

Their crowns, inwove with amarant and gold ; 

Immortal amarant ! a flower which once 

In Paradise, fast by the Tree of Life, 

Began to bloom ; but soon for Man's ofience 335 

To Heaven removed where fii'st it grew, there grows 

And flowers aloft, shading the fount of life ; 

And where the river of bliss through midst of 

Heaven 
Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream : 
With these tli^t never fide the spirits elect 360 

Bind their resplendent locks, inwreathed Avith beams ; 
NoAv in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright 
Pavement, that like a sea of jasper shone, 
Impurpled with celestial roses smiled. 
Then, crowned again, their golden harps they took, 
Harps ever tuned, that glittering by their side 366 
Like quivers hung, and Avith preamble sweet 
Of charming symphony they introduce 
Their sacred song, and Avaken raptures high ; 
No voice exempt, no voice but Avell could join 370 

Melodious part, such concord is In Heaven. 

Thee, Father, firet they sung, omnipotent, 
Immutable, immortal, infinite, 
Eternal King ; thee, author of all being, 
Fountain of light, thyself invisible 375 

Amidst the glorious brightness Avhere thou sitt'st 
Throned inaccessible, but Avhen thou shad'sfc 
The full blaze of thy beams, and, through a cloud 

352. Their crowns. See Rev. iv. fields or gardens, in the Greek 

10. — amarant., from the Greek mythologv, were the abode of 

" amarantos," amarantli. happy spirits after death. 

354. /a<f6//. See I. 12. 3>3. s.'jone. " And be fore the 

358. the river of bliss. See Rev. throne there was a sea of glass 

^^i-l- like unto crystal." Rev.ivG 

3o9. Elysian. The Elysian 377. but, except 
6 



B2 PARADISE LOST. [Book HI. 

Drawn round about thee like a radiant shrine, 
Dark with excessrve bright thy skirts appear, 380 

Yet dazzle Heaven, that brightest Sera})him 
Approach not, but with both Avlngs veil their eyes. 
Thee next they sang of all creation first, 
Begotten Son, divine similitude, 

In whose conspicuous countenance, without cloud 385 
Made visible, the almighty Father shines, 
\Vhom else no creature can behold ; on thee 
Impressed the effulgence of his glory abides ; 
Transfused on thee his ample Spirit rests. 
He Heaven of heavens and all the powers therein 390 
By thee created, and by thee threw down 
The aspiring Dominations. Thou that day 
Thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare, 
Nor stop the flaming chariot-wheels that shook 
Heaven's everlasting frame, while o'er the necks 395 
Thou drov'st of warring angels disarrayed. 
Back from pursuit thy powers with loud acclaim 
Thee only extolled, Son of thy Father's might, 
To execute fierce vengeance on his foes : 
Not so on INIan ; him through their malice fallen, 400 
Father of mercy and grace, thou didst not doom 
So strictly, but much more to pity incline. 
No sooner did thy dear and only Son 
Perceive thee purposed not to doom frail man 
So strictly, but much more to pity inclined, 406 

, He, to appease thy wrath and end the strife 
Of mercy and justice in thy face discerned, 
Regardless of the bliss wherein he sat 



880. h-ight, 'brightness. of the Father, he hath declared 

882. veil their eyes. See Isaiah him." .John i. 18. 

i1.2. 391. By thee. See Coloss. i. 16 

383, 384. See Colossians i. 15. 396. disarrayed^ thi-o^vn out of 

387. else^ iu no other way. — their ranks. 

can behold. " No man hath seen 402. incline, didst incline. 

God at any time ; the ouly-be- 406. -He, than he. 
jotten Son, which is in the bosom 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST. gfl 

Second to thee, offered himself to die 

For Man's offence. O unexampled love, ilO 

Love nowhere to be found less than divine ! 

Hail, Son of God, Saviour of men ! thy name 

Shall be the copious matter of my song 

Henceforth, and never shall my harp thy praise 

Forget, nor from thy Father's praise disjoin. m, 

Thus they in Heaven, above the starry sphere, 
ITieir happy hours in joy and hymning spent. 
Meanwhile upon the firm opacous globe 
Of this round World, whose first convex divides 
The luminous inferior orbs enclosed 420 

From Chaos and the inroad of darkness old, 
Satan alighted walks. A globe far off 
It seemed, now seems a boundless continent. 
Dark, waste, and Avild, under the frown of night 
Starless exposed, and ever-threatening storms 425 

Of Chaos blustering round, inclement sky ; 
Save on that side fi-om which the wall of Heaven, 
Though distant far, some small reflection gains 
Of glimmering air, less vexed with tempest loud : 
Here walked the Fiend at large in spacious field. 430 
As when a vulture on Imaiis bred, 
Whose snowy ridge the roving Tartar bounds. 
Dislodging from a region scarce of prey 
To gorge the flesh of lambs or yeanling kids 
On hills where flocks are fed, flies toward the springs 
Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams ; 433 

But in his way lights on the barren plaii.3 



413. matter, euhject. the ancient astronomy, was in 

41o. rf'5;oj/i, disjoin thy praise, the centre of this sphere. — cfi- 

ttt'^ -X ^'^^ ^^' 103-t-1055, and vides, sets apart ; separates from 

111. rO-(6. Chaos. 

419. World. See line 74, and 431. Imaus, a range of moun- 

note. — first convex, outermost tains on the north of India. 

sphere, enclosing; the inferior 436. Hydaspes, s.hvvinch of fh* 

orbs. The Earth, according to Indus. 



B4 PARADISE LOST. [Book III 

Of Serlcana, where Chineses drive 

With sails of wind their cany wagons light : 

So on this windy sea of Land the Fiend 440 

Walked up and down alone, bent on his prey ; 

Alone, for other creature in this place. 

Living or lifeless, to be found was none ; 

None yet, but store hereafter from the earth 

Up hither like aerial vapors flew 445 

Of all things transitory and vain, when sin 

With vanity had filled the works of men ; 

Both all things vain, and all who in vain things 

Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame, 

Or happiness in this or the other life : 450 

All who have their reward on earth, the fruits 

Of painful superstition and blind zeal, 

Nought seeking but the praise of men, here find 

Fit-retribution, empty as their deeds. 

All the unaccomplished works of Nature's hand, 455 

Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mixed, 

Dissolved on earth, fleet hither, and in vain, 

Till final dissolution, wander here, 

Not in the neighboring moon, as some have dreamed ; 

Those argent fields more likely habitants 46C 

Translated saints, or middle spirits hold 

Betwixt the angelical and human kind. 

Hither of ill-joined sons and daughters born 

First from the ancient world those giants came, 

With many a vain exploit, though then renowned : 

438. Sericana, or Serica, a bright) ,^eW5 more probably bold 

name ancieutly applied to the as their inhabitants translated 

regions of Central and Eastern saints, or spirits middle between 

Asia, in which are vast sandy the angelic and the human kind, 

plains. Over these, the inhabi- — Translated^ removed from 

tants are said to drive light car- earth, 

riages furnished with sails. 4G3. ill-joined. See Genesis vi. 

444. store^ abundance. 1, 2. 

456. unkindly^ not according 464. those giants. " There were 

to their kind. giants in the earth in those days.'- 

46l 4P2. Those argent (silvery Gen. vi. 4. 



Book III] 



PARADISE LOST. 



85 



The builders next of Babel on the plain 
Of Sennaar, and still with vain design 
New Babels, had they wherewithal, would build : 
Others came single ; he Avho, to be deemed 
A god, leaped fondly into ^tna flames, 
Empedocles ; and he who, to enjoy 
Plato's Elysium, leaped into the sea, 
Cledmbrotus ; and many more too long, 
Embryos and idiots, eremites and friars. 
White, black, and gray, with all their trumpery. 
Here pilgrims roam, that strayed so far to seek 
In Golgotha him dead avIio lives in Heaven ; 
And they who, to be sure of Paradise, 
Dying put on the weeds of Dominic, 
Or in Franciscan think to pass disguised : 
They pass the planets seven, and pass the fixed, 



470 



476 



480 



466. Bahel. See Genesis xi. 
1-9. 

467. Sennaar J Shinar, the plain 
of Babylon. 

468. ha'l they whereivithal, if 
they had the materials. 

471. Empedocles was a cele- 
brated philosopher of Sicily, who 
lived in the fifth century befoi-e 
Christ. Tradition related that 
he leaped fo7iiJly (foolishly) into 
jEtna flames, that he might, in 
consequence of his sudden disap- 
pearance, be deemed a god. One 
of his sandals, however, was 
throflm out by the volcano, and 
the manner of his death thus 
made known. — hf. Cleombro- 
tus, a Grecian youth, is said to 
have destroyed himself by leap- 
Vug into the sea, after reading 
Plato's description of the liap{)i- 
ness of a future state, that he 
Might at once enjoy it. 

473. ton long, of whom it would 
be too long to tell. 

474. eremites, hermits. 

47-5 The different orders of 
friars in the Roman church are 
iistinguished by their drese, the 



Carmelites or White-friars wear- 
ing a white robe, the Domin- 
icans or Black-friars a black 
robe, and the Franciscans or 
Gray-fi-iars a gray or hght- 
brown robe. 

476. pilgrims, to Jerusalem 
and the Holy Sepulchre. 

477. Golgotha. See Matthew 
xxvii. 33. 

478. to be sure of Paradise. It 
was once a superstition of some 
members of the church of Rome, 
that to be clothed at the time 
of death in a friar's habit or 
weeds, insured an entrance into 
heaven. 

481-483. This is according to 
the notions of the ancient, or 
Ptolemaic, .system of astronomy. 
From the Earth, the centre of 
the Universe, they pass the jdnnets 
seven, our planetary or solar sys- 
tem, and beyond this jjass the 
Ji.red, the firmament or sphere 
of the fixed stars, and still be- 
yond, that crystalline splicre, th« 
heaven clear as crystal, to which 
the Ptolemaics attributed a sort 
of Ubration or shaking ( the trepir 



B6 PARADISE LOST. [Book III 

And that crystalline sphere whose balance weighs 

The trepidation talked, and that first-moved ; 

And now Saint Peter at Heaven's wicket seems 

To wait them with his keys, and now at foot 485 

Of Heaven's ascent they lift their feet, when lo I 

A violent cross-wind from either coast 

Blows them transverse, ten thousand leagues awry 

Into the devious air : then might ye see 

Cowls, hoods, and habits, Avith their ^vearers, tost 490 

And fluttered into rags ; then relics, beads, 

Indulgences, dispenses, pardons, bulls. 

The sport of winds : all these, up-whirled alofl, 

Fly o'er the backside of the world f:ir off 

Into a Limbo large and broad, since called 495 

The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown 

Long after, now unpeopled and untrod. 

All this dark globe the Fiend found as he passed, 

And long he wandered, till at last a gleam 

Of dawning light turned thitherward in haste 500 

His travelled steps : far distant he descries, 

Ascending by degrees magnificent 

Up to the wall of Heaven, a structure high. 

At top whereof, but far more inch, appeared 

The work as of a kingly palace-gate, 505 



dation so much talked of) to ac- 4S9. devious^ out of their track 

count for certain irres^ularities ia or road. 

the motions of the heavenly bodies, 492. In the Roman church, m- 

jtnd farthest tliai first -viot-ed, dulgences iiva remissions of tha 

the Primum Mobile, the sphere penalties of sin, granted b.y the 

which was both the first moved Pope. — dispenses^ oi dispeusa- 

tiud the first mover, communicat- tions, are permissions to dispense 

Ing its motion to all the lower or with certain rules of the church. 

Interior spheres. The Crystalline He also grants pardons for sins 

Is described either as external to committed. Certain letters which 

the Primum Mobile, or as com- contain his decrees or decisions 

bined with it. are called hulls. 

484, 485. Milton alludes here 495. L/wta, abordeinng region 

to the notion that Saint Peter or place of confinement, 

literally holds the keys of Heaven 500. thitherward, to itself. 

md keeps the gate. 502. degrees., stairs. See linei!ilC 



BooKlIT.j PARADISE LOST. 87 

With frontispiece of diamond and gold 

Embellished ; thick with sparkling orient gems 

The portal shone, inimitable on earth 

By model, or by shading pencil drawn. 

The stairs were such as whereon Jacob saw bic 

Angels ascending and descending, bands 

Of guardians bright, when he from Esau fled 

To Padan-arani, in the field of Luz 

Dreaming by night under the open sky, 

And waking cried, This is the gate of Heaven. 515 

Each stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood 

There always, but drawn up to Heaven sometimes 

Viewless ; and underneath a bright sea flowed 

Of jasper, or of liquid pearl, whereon 

Who after came from Earth sailing arrived 52u 

Wafted by angels, or flew o'er the lake 

Rapt in a chariot drawn by fiery steeds. 

The staii-s were then let down, whether to dare 

The Fiend by easy ascent, or aggravate 

His sad exclusion from the doors of bliss ; 526 

Direct against which opened from beneath, 

Just o'er the blissful seat of Paradise, 

A passage down to the Earth, a passage wide, 

Wider by far than that of after-times 

Over mount Sion, and, though that were large, 530 

Over the Promised Land to God so dear. 

By which, to visit oft those happy tribes, 

On high behests his angels to and fro 

Passed frequent, and his eye with choice regard 

From Paneas, the fount of Jordan's flood, 535 

&0Q. frontispiece, the face of a bll. fiery steeds. See 2 Kings 

building. ii. 11. 

509. By moflel, 9r by shading 530. and, and wider than that. 

pencil drawn, by sculpture or by 531 with choice recant, i)a.ssed 

painting. with choice regard, with special 

510-515. See Gen. xxviii. favor. 

518. Viewless, -was viewless ; 535. Pnnens, Dan. This Avas a 

beyond the sight. town in the northernmost part of 

520. IKAo, whoever Palestine or the lloly Land, near 



88 PARADISE LOST. [Book III 

To Beersaba, where the Holy Land 

Bordei-s on Egypt and the Arabian shore ; 

So wide the opening seemed, where bounds were set 

To darkness, such as bound the ocean wave. 

Satan from hence, now on the lower stair,, 540 

That scaled by steps of gold to Heaven gate, 
Looks down with wonder at the sudden view 
Of all this World at once. As when a scout. 
Through dark and desert ways with peril gone 
All night, at last by break of cheerful dawn 64S 

Obtains the brow of some high-climbing hill, 
Which to his eye discovers unaware 
The goodly prospect of some foreign land 
First seen, or some renowned metropolis 
With glistering spires and pinnacles adorned, 556 

Which now the rising sun gilds with his beams; — 
Such wonder seized, though after Heaven seen, 
The spirit malign, but much more envy seized 
At sight of all this World beheld so fair. 
Round he surveys (and well might, Avhere he stood 555 
So high above the circling canopy 
Of night's extended shade) from eastern point 
Of Libra to the fleecy star that bears 
Andromeda for off Atlantic seas, 

Beyond the horizon ; then from pole to pole 660 

He views in breadth, and without longer pause 
Down right into the World's first region throws 
His flight precipitant, and winds with easo 
Through the pure marble air his oblicjue way 

Ihe sources of the Jordan. Beer- the fieecy star. As seen from ttie 

iheba, or Beersaba, was on the Earth, the constellation An'i^oni' 

southern border, or Arnhian eda appears above Aries, and 

^hore. " From Dan even to Beer- being to the west of it may be 

Bheba" (1 Kings iv. 25) described said by a European to be borue 

the length of the land. far off Atlantic seas. 

546. Obtains, reaches. 563. precipitant, headlong. 

557-560. R-om farthest east to 564. inarhle, niurhle-hke ia lt# 

west : that is, through si.>i signs clearness and brightness, 
of the Zodiac, from Libra to Aries, 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST. 89 

Amongst innumerable stars, that shone 66S 

Stai-s distant, but nigh hand seemed other worlds ; 

Or other worlds they seemed, or happy isles, 

Like those Hesperian gardens famed of old, 

Fortunate fields, and groves, and flowery vales. 

Thrice happy isles ; but who dwelt happy there oto 

He stayed not to inquire. Above them all 

The golden sun, in splendor likest Heaven, 

Allured his eye ; thither his course he bends 

Through the calm firmament — but up or down, 

By centre or eccentric, hard to tell, 675 

Or longitude — where the great luminary. 

Aloof the vulgar constellations thick 

That from his lordly eye keep distance due, 

Dispenses light from far : they, as they move 

Their starry dance in numbers that compute 580 

Days, months, and years, toward his all-cheering lamp 

Turn swift their various motions, or are turned 

By his magnetic beam, that gently warms 

The Universe, and to each inward part 

With gentle penetration, though unseen, 58£ 

Shoots invisible virtue even to the deep ; 

So wondrously was set his station bright. 

There lands the Fiend, a spot like which perhaps 
Astronomer in the sun's lucent orb 
Through his glazed optic tube yet never saw. 690 

bQQ. Stars fl I slant, &sstR.TSV!\iexi 575. By centre or eccentric, 

distant. — ?? /^/i AaHt/, when near, whether towards or from the 

567. Or, either. centre. — hard, it would be hard. 

568. Hfsperinn gardens. The 576. Or longitude, or whether 
beautiful gardens of the Ilesper- east or west. 

idey, or mm phs who guarded the 577. J 'oof, aloof from. — vuU 

golden apples of Juno (Iljra), gar, common. 

were situated far to the west, as 580. nitmhers, measures. 

were also tlie Fortunnti- fif.lds. ov 583. magnetic, ntt\-vi.ctiYe, 

Islands of the Ulessed. in which 586. virtue, power. 

were the Elysian Fields. 590 glazed optic tube. See I 

674. vp or down, whether north 288. 
or south. 



aO PARADISE LOST. [Book III 

The place lie found beyond expression bright, 

Compared with aught on earth, metal or stone ; 

Not all parts like, but all alike informed 

Witlr radiant light, as glowing iron with fire ; 

If metal, part seemed gold, part silver clear ; 69S 

If stone, carbuncle most or chrysolite, 

Ruby or topaz, to tlie twelve that shone 

In Aaron's breastplate, and a stone besides 

Imagined rather oft than elsewhere seen. 

That stone, or like to that, wliich here below 600 

Philosophers in vain so long have sought ; 

In vain, though by their powerful art they bind 

Volatile Hermes, and call up unbound 

In various shapes old Proteus from the sea, 

Drained through a limbec to his native form. 605 

What wonder then if fields and regions here 

Breathe forth elixir pure, and rivers run 

Potable gold, when with one virtuous touch 

The arch-chemic sun, so far from us remote, 

Produces, with terrestrial humor mixed, 610 

Here in the dark so many precious things 



593. 7?i/br??ie<i, penetrated ; ani- 604. Proteus was a sea-god, 

mated. who when seized assumed various 

597. to, up to ; completing the shapes, but finally resumed his 
number of. usual form. Matter, being worked 

598. Aaron's breastplate. See upon by chemists and made to 
Exodus xxviii. 15-21. appear in different forms, is at 

600. That stone. It was long last, beiag drained through a 

supposed that there existed a litnbec, forced to take its original 

gto'ne, the touch of which would shape. It may be that the puri- 

turn any other substance to gold, fying of water by distillation is 

I'rom having been sought by all that is here referred to. 

philosophers, it was called the 605. limbec, or alembic, a vrs. 

Philosopher's Stone. sel used by chemists in distilla- 

603. From //*-r»?^5, or Mercury, tion. 

thomes.=enger of the gods, a planet 606. AfJ-p, in the Sun. 

and a metal have the name of Mer- 607. elixir, a liquid for trans- 

cury. The god may be called vol- muting metals into gold. 

atile, from hift winged sandals; 608. r/r^/o^/.?, powerful. 

the metal, because at a certain 609. arch-cheviic, having su- 

heat it Hies off in vapor. Chemists prerae chemical powers, by whicl: 

bind it by combining it with other the nature of bodies is changed, 
substances. 



Book JII. 



PARADISE LOST. 91 



Of color glorious and effect so rare ? 

Here matter new to gaze the Devil met 

Undazzled : far and wide his eye commands ; 

For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, 61fi 

But all sunshine, as when his beams at noon 

Culminate from the equator, as they now 

Shot upward still direct, whence no way round 

Shadow from body opaque can fall ; and the air, 

Nowhere so clear, sharpened his visual ray 620 

To objects distant for, whereby he soon 

Saw within ken a glorious angel stand. 

The same whom John saw also in the sun : 

His back was turned, but not his brightness hid ; 

Of beaming sunny rays a golden tiar 325 

C'rcled his head, nor less his locks behind 

Illustrious on his shoulders fledge Avith wings 

Lay waving round ; on some great charge employed 

He seemed, or fixed in cogitation deep. 

Glad was the Spirit impure, as now in hope 630 

To find who might direct his wandering flight 

To Paradise, the happy seat of Man, 

His journey's end and our beginning woe. 

But first he casts to change his proper shape, 

Which else might Avork him danger or delay : 635 

And now a stripling Cherub he appears. 

Not of the prime, yet such as in his face 

Youth smiled celestial, and to every limb 

Suitable grace diffused, so well he feigned : 

613. ^^zs, gaze upon. 623. The same. " And I ss^ 

617. Culm innte from the eqiia- an angel standing in the BUn." 

tor, are vertical when the sun is Rev. xix. 17. 

directly over the equator, shoot- 625. tiar, tiara, 

ing directly downwards, ju.st as 627. Illustrious^ bright. — 

I'llif now shot vpwar'I still direct, fied^e, Hedged. 

61S. tWi'^Hce, for which reason; 631. tr/io, one who. 

on wt ich account. 634. casts., plans ; casts in lill 

62C yowkere, nowhere else. — mind. 

v'sual ray, vision ; sight. 637. as, that. 

622. within ken, near enough 
o be recognized. 



92 PARADISE LOST. [Book III. 

Dnder a coronet his flowino- hair 64iO 

in curls on either cheek played ; wings he wore 

Of many a colored plume sprinkled with gold, 

His habit fit for speed succinct, and held 

Before his decent steps a silver wand. 

He drew not nigh unheard ; the angel bright, 645 

Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turned. 

Admonished by his ear, and straight was known 

The archangel Uriel, one of the seven 

Who in God's presence nearest to his throne 

Stand ready at command, and are his eyes 650 

That run through all the heavens, or down to the earth 

Bear his swift errands over moist and dry, 

O'er sea and land : him Satan thus accosts : 

" Uriel, for thou of those seven spirits that stand 
In sight of God's high throne, gloriously bright, 655 
The first art wont his great authentic will 
Interpreter through highest Heaven to bring, 
Where all his sons thy embassy attend ; 
And here art likeliest by supreme decree 
Like honor to obtain, and as his eye 660 

To visit oft this new creation round ; 
Unspeakable desire to see and know 
All these his wondrous works, but chiefly Man, 
His chief delight and favor, him for whom 
All these his works so wondrous he ordained, 666 

Hath brought me from the quires of Cherubim 
Alone thus wandering. Brightest Seraph, tell 
In which of all these shining orbs hath Man 
His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none, 

643. habit (garment) seems to 650. are his eyes. " They are 
iepeud oa wore, or what is im- fee eyes of the Lord, wliich ruu 
plied in it. — succinct , girded up to ami fro through the whole 
fhort. earth.^' Zechariah iv. 10. 

644. decent, becoming; grace- 657. Interpreter, mxaUitptiXiit 
f"l- 658. altnid^ await. 

64S Uriel is mentioned in the 666. quires, choirs. 
Apocrypha, 2 Esdras iv. 1. 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST. 93 

But all these shining orbs his choice to dwell ; 670 

That I may find him, and with secret gaze 

Or open admiration him beliold, 

On whom the great Creator hath bestowed 

VVorhls, and on whom hath all these graces poured ; 

That both In him and all things, as Is meet, 675 

The unlvei-sal Maker we may praise ; 

Who justly hath driven out his rebel foes 

To deepest Hell, and, to repair that loss, 

Created this new happy race of men 

To serve him better : wise are all his Avays." cr*0 

So spake the false dissembler unpercelved ; 
For neither man nor angel can discern 
Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks 
Invisible, except to God alone, 

By his permissive will, through Heaven and Earth : 685 
And oft, though wisdom Avake, suspicion sleeps 
At wisdom's gate, and to simplicity 
Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no 111 
Where no 111 seems ; which noAv for once beguiled 
Uriel, though regent of the sun, and held m^ 

The sharpest sighted spirit of all in Heaven ; 
Who to the fraudulent Impostor foul. 
In his uprightness, answer thus returned : 

" Fair angel, thy desire, which tends to knoAv 
The works of God, thereby to glorify ' Qgg 

The great work-master, leads to no excess 
That reaches blame, but rather merits praise 
The more it seems excess, that led thee hither 
From thy empyreal mansion thus alone. 
To witness Avith thine eyes Avhat some perhaps, 700 

670 divell^ dwell in. 699. empyreal, heavenly ; in 

689. which. For the antecedent the pure region of light, abort 
If this pronoun, see line 683. created spheres. 

690. held, coosidered as. 



94 PARADISE LOST. [Book III j 

Contented with report, hear only In Heaven: 

For wonderful Indeed are all his works, 

Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all 

Had In remembrance always with delight ; 

But what created mind can comprehend TOS 

Their number, or the wisdom infinite 

That brought them forth, but hid their causes deep ? 

I saw when at his word the formless mass, 

This World's material mould, came to a heap : 

Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar 710 

Stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined ; 

Till at his second bidding darkness fled. 

Light shone, and order from disorder sprung. 

Swift to their several quarters hasted then 

The cumbrous elements, earth, flood, air, fire, 716 

And this ethereal quintessence of Heaven 

Flew upward, spirited with various forms, 

That rolled orbicular, and turned to stars 

Numberless, as thou seest, and how they move ; 

Each had his place appointed, each his course, 720 

The rest In circuit Avails this universe. 

Look downward on that globe whose hither side 

With light from hence, though but reflected, shines : 

That place is Earth, the seat of Man ; that light 

His day, which else as the other hemisphere 725 

Night, would invade ; but there the neighboring moon 

(So call that opposite fair star) her aid 

Timely Intei-poses, and, her monthly round 

Still ending, still renewing, through mid heaven, 

708. a« his ivord. "For he out of which the heavens and the 



■pake, and it was done ; he com- 
manded, and it stood fast." 



Im xxxiu. 



stars were formed. 

17. spirited^ animated. 
19. hoiu they tnove^ thou 



715. flood, water. how they move. 

71G. this ethereal quintessence. 721. The rest, the rest of this 

It was the belief of some of the quintessence. — in circuit, round 

ancient philosophers that there about. 

was, besides the four elements, a 727. call is in the imperativ* 

fifth essence, " quinta essentia," mood. 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST. 95 

With borrowed light her countenance triform 730 

Hence fills and empties to enlighten the earth, 

And in her pale dominion checks the night. 

That spot to which I point is Paradise, 

Adam's abode, those lofty shades his bower : 

Thy way thou canst not misfl, me mine requires." 735 

Thus said, he turned ; and Satan bowing low, 
As to superior spirits is wont In Heaven, 
Where honor due and reverence none neglects, 
Took leave, and toward the coast of Earth beneath, 
Down from the ecliptic, sped with hoped success, 740 
Throws his steep flight In many an aery wheel, 
Nor stayed, till on Niphates' top he lights. 

730. triform, having three 741. wheel, turn or rotation. 
Bhapes or phases. 742. Nipliates' top. Niphates 

731. Hence, from the sun. is a mountain chain of Armenia, 
735. me mine requires, my way in Turkey in Asia, north of M*;S- 

needs me. ^ opotamia, the region in which 

740. the ecliptic, the sun's ap- thegardenof Edento SJi»po3«d to 

parent path. — sped ivith harped have been situated 
fuccess, hastened by the hope of 



BOOK IV. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Satan, now in prospect of EJen and nigh the place where he must 
now attempt the bold enterprise which he undertook alone against 
Goti and Man, falls into many doubts with himself, and many 
passions, fear, envy, and despair; but at length confirms himself 
in evil, journeys on to Paradise, whose outward prospect and sit- 
uation is described, overleaps the bounds, sits in tlie shape of a 
cormorant on the Tree of Life, as highest in the garden, to look 
about him. The gal-don described ; Satan's first sight of Adam 
and Eve ; his wonder at their excellent form and happy state, but 
with resolution to work their fall ; overhears their discourse, 
thence gathers that the tree of knowledge was forbidden them to 
eat of, iinder penalty of death ; and thereon intends to found his 
temptation, by seducing them to transgress : then leaves them 
awhile, to know further of their state by some other means. 
Meanwhile Uriel descending on a sunbeam warns Gabriel, who 
had in charge the gate of Paradise, that some evil spirit had 
escaped the deep, and passed at noon by his sphere in the shape 
of a good angel down to Paradise, discovered after by his furious 
gestures in the mount. Gabriel promises to find him ere morning. 
Night coming on, Adam and Eve discourse of going to their rest : 
their bower described ; their evening- worship. Gabriel, drawing 
forth his bands of night-watch to walk the round of Paradise, ap- 
points two strong angels to Adam's bower, lest the evil Spirit 
should be there doing some harm to Adam or Eve sleeping ; there 
they find him at the ear of Eve tempting her in a dream, and 
bring him, thovigh unwilling, to Gabriel ; by whom questioned, 
he scornfully answei's, prepares resistance, but hindered by a sign 
from Heaven flies out of Paradise. 

I O FOR that warning voice, which he who saw 
The Apocalypse heard cry in Heaven aloud, 
Then when the Dragon, put to second rout, 

1. that ivnrning voice. 3. second rout. The first rout 

See Revelation xii. 9-12. was the expulsion of the rebel 



f, 



Book I v.] PARADISE LOST. 97 



^ Came furious down to be revenged on men, 
\3^ Woe to the inhabitants on Earth ! that now, 5 

!^, a^ While time was, our first parents had been warned 
^u. The coming of their secret foe, and scaped, 

Haplj so scaped, his mortal snare : for now 
Satan, now first inflamed with rage, came down, 
The tempter ere the accuser of mankind, 10 

To wreak on innocent frail man his loss 
Of that first battle, and his flight to Hell ; 
Yet not rejoicing in his speed, though bold 
Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast. 
Begins his dire attempt, wliich nigh the birth lo 

Now rolling boils in his tumultuous breast, 
v^ And like a devilish engine back recoils 
^5 Upon himself: horror and doubt distract 

His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir 
Sj The hell within him ; for within him hell 20 

He brings, and round about him, nor from hell 
C One step, no more than from himself, can fly 
vj By change of place : now conscience wakes despair 
■ J;; I'hat slumbered, wakes the bitter memory 

^ Of what he was, what is, and what must be 25 

( Worse ; of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue. 

^ , Sometimes toward Eden, which now in his view 

Lay pleasant, his grieved look he fixes sad ; 
Sometimes towards Heaven and the full blazing sun 
Which now sat high in his meridian tower ; 30 

- Then much revolving, thus in sighs began : 

X» " O thou that, with surpassing glory crowned, 

> Look'st from thy sole dominion like the god 

;^s^ Of this new Avorld, at whose sight all the stars 

, 'tj' Hide their diminished heads, to thee I call, 35 

angels from Heaven. It is de- late. — had been, might have 

scribed in Book VI. been. — warned, warned cf. 

6. ivhile thne teas, while there 30. in his meridian tower, at 

was time ; before it should be too his noon-day height. 
7 



^5 



1 



3d PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

But with no friendly voice, and add thy name, 

Sun ! to tell thee how I hate thy beams, 
Tliat bring to my remembrance from what state 

1 fell, how glorious once above thy sphere ; 

Till pride and worse ambition threw me down, IQ 

Warring in Heaven against Heaven's matchless king-. 

Ah, wherefore ? he deserved no such return 

From me, whom he created what T was 

[n that bright eminence, and with his good 

Upbraided none ; nor was his service hard : 15 

What could be less than to afford him praise, 

The easiest recompense, and pay him thanks. 

How due ! yet all his good proved ill in me. 

And wrgught but malice ; lifted up so high 

I sdeined subjection, and thought one step higher 50 

Would set me highest, and in a moment quit 

The debt immense of endless gratitude. 

So burdensome still paying still to owe ; 

Forgetful what from him 1 still received, 

And understood not that a grateful mind 55 

By owing owes not, but still pays, at once 

Indebted and discharged ; what burden then ? 

O had his powerful destiny ordained 

Me some inferior angel, I had stood 

Then happy ; no unbounded hope had raised 60 

Ambition. Yet why not ? some other power 

As great might have aspired, and me though mean 

Drawn to his part ; but other powers as great 

Fell not, but stand unshaken, fi'om within 

Or from without to all temptations armed. 65 

Hadst thou the same free will and power to stand ? 

Thou hadst : whom hast thou then or what to accuse 

But Heaven's free love dealt equally to all ? 

50. <!deineff, disdained, from 63. part^ party ; side 
the Italian " sdegnare." 65. to, against. 

51. quit, discharge ; relieve 
from. 



B( K IV.] PARADISE LOST. 99 

Be then his love accursed, since love or hate 

Tc me alike it deals eternal woe. 70 

Nay, cursed be thou ; since against his thy will 

Chose ii-eely what it now so justly rues. 
Me miserable ! which way shall I fly 
Infinite wrath and infinite despair ? 
Which way I fly is hell ; myself am hell ; 75 

And in the lowest deep a lower deep 
Still threatening to devour me opens wide, 
To which the hell I suffer seems a heaven. 
. .' O then at last relent ! is there no place 
- Left for repentance, none for pardon left ? 80 

X None left but by submission ; and that word 
•^ Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame 
^>^ Among the spirits beneath, whom I seduced 
"^ With other promises and other vaunts 
- 3 Than to submit, boasting I could subdue 86 

^^ The Omnipotent. Ay me ! they little know 
^ How dearly I abide that boast so vain, 
.V- Under what torments inwardly I groan ; 
''. While they adore me on the throne of Hell, 
With diadem and sceptre high advanced, 90 

The lower still I fall, only supreme 
In misery ; such joy ambition finds. 
But say I could repent, and could obtain 
By act of grace my former state, — how soon 
Would height recall high thoughts, how soon unsay 95 
What feigned submission swore ! ease would recant 
Vows made in pain, as violent and void 
(For never can true reconcilement grow 
Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep). 
Which would but lead me to a worse relapse 100 
And heavier fall ; so should I purchase dear 
Short intermission bought with double smart. 

71. A('5, his will. 94. act of grace, decree oi pai 

87. abide, sutfer the conse- don. 
luences of. 



100 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV. 

This knows my punislier ; therefore as far 
From granting be, as I from begging, peace. 
Ail Lope excluded thus, behold instead 106 

Of us outcast, exiled, his new delight 
Mankind created, and for him this world. 
So farewell hope, and with hope farewell fear, 
Farewell remorse ! all good to me Is lost : 
Evil, be thou my good ; by thee at least 110 

Divided empire with Heaven's king I hold, 
By thee and more than half perhaps will reign 
— o^ Man ere long and this new workl shall know.** 

Thus while he spake, each passion dimmed his face 
Thrice changed with pale, ire, envy, and despair, 115 
\^ Which marred his borrowed visage, and betrayed 
, '^ Him counterfeit, if any eye beheld ; 
vi For heavenly minds from such distempers foul 
i^'i Are ever clear. Whereof he soon aware 

X Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm, 120 
"^xi) Artificer of fraud ; and was the first 

s That practised falsehood under saintly show, 
/ vl Deep malice to conceal couched with revenge. 
^'"let not enough had practised to deceive 
Si,\ Uriel once warned ; whose eye pursued him down 1% 
*^ 'The way he went, and on the Assyrian mount 
\ Saw him disfigured, more than could befall 
J Spirit of happy sort : his gestures fierce 
,/*S^ He marked and mad demeanor, then alone, 
\i As he supposed, all unobserved, unseen. iso 

So on he lares, and to the border comes 
Of Eden, where delicious Paradise, 

112. more than half perhaps. 123. couched^ close lurking, 

Already Hell is his, and he hopes lying close. 

to g3i\n this m-iv world. — By thee 125. Uriel once warned. Sec 

precedes and for emphasis. 114—119. 

115. pale, the paleness of ire, 127- the Assyrian mount Sm 

of envy, and of despair. III. 742. 

117 counterfeit. See ni. 636. 



R,-K>K rV.] PARADISE LOST. 101 

Kow nearer, crowns with licr enclosure green, 
As with a rural mound, the champain head 
Of a steep wilderness, whose hairy sides 138 

With thicket overgrown, grotesque and wild, 
^ Access denied ; and over head up grew 

V Insuperable height of loftiest shade, 

^S Cedarj and pine, and fir, and branching palm, 
' ^>^ A sylvan scene ; and, as the ranks ascend 140 

i^' Shade above shade, a woody theatre 

Of stateliest view. Yet higher than their tops 
^- ' The verdurous wall of Paradise up sprung, 
Which to our general sire gave prospect large 
Into his nether empire neighboring round. 145 

And higher than that Avail a circling row 
,. Of goodliest trees loaden with fairest fruit, 
>y Blossoms and fruits at once of golden hue, 
"^ Appeared, with gay enamelled colors mixed ; 

On which the sun more glad impressed his beams 150 
,^' Than in fair evenins; cloud, or humid bow 
r^ When God has showered the earth ; so lovely seemed 
^J^ That landscape: and of pure now purer air 
^' -Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires 

Vernal delight and joy, able to drive 156 

All sadness but despair : now gentle gales. 
Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense 

V Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole 
^ Those balmy spoils. As when to them who sail 

Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past lao 

■ Mozambic, off at sea northeast winds blow 
Sabean odors from the spicy shore 

134. the champain head, the 154. inspires, breathes in. 

ISTel summit. V\0. of Hnpe, of Good llnpe. 

137. Access (Jellied, fovha.de up- 162. Sabi-an otiors. The .';outh- 

woach. em part of Arabia is ofte]i called 

141. theatre, a place rising by Arabia Felix, or the Blest. Iti 
ereps, like the seat.s of aa aiicieut ancient capital was Saba, or She- 
theatre, ba, whose (lucen came to Jeriisa 

163. of, from or after. lem " to hear the wisdom of Solo- 



102 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV- 

Of Arab/ the Blest ; with such delay 

Well pleased they slack their course, and many a 

league 
Cheered with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles : 165 
So entertained those odorous sweets the Fiend 
Who came their bane, though with them better 

pleased 
Than Asmodeus with the lishy fume 
That drove him, though enamored, from the spouse 
Of Tobit's son, and with a vengeance sent 170 

From Media post to Egypt, there fast bound. 

Now to the ascent of that steep savage hill 
Satan had journeyed on, pensive and slow ; 
But further way found none, so thick entwined, 
'^ As one continued brake, the undergrowth 175 

\i^ Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplexed 
^ All path of man or beast that passed that way. 
One gate there only was, and that looked east 
^ On the other side : which when the arch-felon saw, 
^ Due entrance he disdained, and in contempt 18C 

"^^ At one slight bound high overleaped all bound 
Of hill or highest wall, and sheer within 
Lights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf 
Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey, 
Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve 



rnon," bringing spices, gold, and " the which smell when the e-vil 

precious stones ; " neither was spirit had smelled, he hf-.>\ into 

there any such spice as the queen the utmost parts of Egypt, and 

of Sheba gave King Solomon." 2 the angel bound him"" The 

Chronicles ix. 1-9. story is found in the Book of To- 

167. their bane, as their bane ; bit, in the Apocrypha. See chap 
to poison them. viii. 

168. Asmodeus was an evil 171. Merli'a, a country east of 
Bpirit, who had destroyed in sue- Assyria and south of the Caspian 
cession seven husbands of the Sea. — ;7o.<;i, with great speed. 
daughter of Raguel. After she 172. snvas^e, ^vild and woody, 
became the spouse of Tobifs son, 175. As, like. — brnke, thicket 
fee was driven away by the fumes 176. had, woiild have. — ptf 
of the heart and liver of a fish ; plexed, made intricate. 



^-^ 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 108 

[n hurdled cotes amid the field secure, 188 

C^~~- Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold ; 
^ Or as a thief, bent to unhoard the cash 

Of some rich burgher, Avhose substantial, dooi-s 
Cross-barred and bolted fast fear no assault, 190 

In at the window climbs, or o'er the tiles : 
^ So clomb this first grand thief into God's fold ; 

So since into his church lewd hirelings climb. 
\ v^^hence up he flew, and on the Tree of Life, 
^' The middle tree and highest there that grew, 196 

Sat like a cormorant ; yet not true life 
Thereby regained, but sat devising death 
To them who lived ; nor on the virtue thought 
Of that life-giving plant, but only used 
For prospect what well used had been the pledge 200 
^ Of immortality. So little knows 
iv5 Any, but God alone, to value right 
^ The good before him, but perverts best things 
To worst abuse or to their meanest use. 

meath him with new wonder now he views, 20S 

vl To all delight of'human sense exposed, 
^ In narrow room Nature's whole wealth, yea more, 
^ A heaven on Earth ; for blissful Paradise 
^ Of God the garden was, by him in the east 
>^ Of Eden planted ; Eden stretched her line 214 

,,^ From Auran eastward to the royal towei^ 
"^i Of great Seleucia, built by Grecian kings, 

186. hurdled, fenced about with 198. virhie, peculiar povrer oi 

Slicks or twigs closely interwoven, properties. 

— secure. See II. 399. 2,(f>. For prospect, as a place 

192. So r/omb. See John x. 1. from which to look abroad. — 

193. leivd is probably used here had been, would have been. 
a^m .Kc't?> wn. b^iov vile,iinprin- 210. Eden. ''And the Lord 
cipled. Elsewhere Milton speaks God planted a garden eastward 
of '"hii-eling wolves, whose gos- in Eden." Genesis ii. 8. 

pel is their maw." 211-214. Auran, or Ilaran (also 

194. l,'ie Tree of 'Life. "The called Charran), was a city in the 
tre<- of life also in the midst of northwestern part of Mesopo- 
tlio garden." Genesis ii. 9. taniia, the name anciently given 

19(5. cQiinornnt. The cormo- to the country lying l.etwt^en th« 
xaut is a kind of sea -fowl, ex- rivers Tigris anii Eupiarates 
Veniely voracious. 






J 04 PARADISE LOST. fBooit IV. 

Or where the sons of Eden long befc re 
Dwelt in Telassar. In this pleasant soil 
His far more pleasant garden God ordained : 215 

Out of the fertile ground he caused to grow 
All trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste ; 
And all amid them stood the Tree of LifCf 
High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit 
Of vegetable gold ; and next to life 220 

/Our death, the Tree of Knowledge, grew fast by, 
I Knowledge of good bought dear by knowing ill. 
Southward through Eden went a river large. 
Nor chano;ed his course, but throun;h the sha£i;o;y hill 
> Passed underneath ingulfed ; for God had thrown 225 
"'^•4^: That mountain as his irarden mould hio-h raised 
^i Upon the rapid current, which, through veins 
Of porous earth with kindly tliirst up-drawn. 
Rose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill 
Watered the garden ; thence united fell 230 

'■'^ Do'\\Ti the steep glade, and met the nether flood 
'« Which from his darksome passage now appears, 
"J And now divided into four main streams 
\Runs diverse Avandering many a famous realm 
And country, whereof here needs no account ; 235 

But rather to tell how, if Art could tell 
f*EIow, from that sapphire fount the crisped brooks, 

Seleucia was a city in the south- " And the tree of knowledge of 

ea£tern part of Mesopotamia, on good and evil." Genesis ii. 9. — 

ihe river Tigris, built near the /a.t< bj/. See I. 12. 

ancient Telassar by Seleucus, a 223. a river large. " A river 

Macedonian general who became went out of Eden to water the 

king of Syria and the founder of garden." Genesis ii. 10. 

a line of Grecian kings. — The 224. his, its. So in line 232. 

exact situation of the Garden of 233. foitr main streams. "And 

Sden has always been a matter from thence it was parted, and 

of coujer*tui-e. — pleasant soil, became into four heads." Gen. 

The word Eden means pleasui-e, ii. 10-14. 

delight. 234. ivandering, wandering 

218. all amid them, " in the over or tiirough. 
inidst of the garden." Genesis 237. crisped, curled in smai' 

. 9. — blooming, blooming ^vith. waves. 

ffil. the Tree of Knowledge. 



BOOE rV.] I'ARADTSE LOST. \0t 

Rolling on orient pearl and sands of gold 

With mazy error under pendent shades, 

Ran nectar, visiting eacli plant, and fed 240 

Flowers wortliy of Paradise, which not nice Art 

In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon 

Poured forth profuse on liill and dale and plain, 

Both where the morning sun first warmly smote 

The open field, anil where the unpierced shade 245 

Iinbrowned the noon-tide bowers. Thus was this place 

A happy rural seat of various view ; 

Groves whose rich trees wept odorous gums and balm, 

Others whose fruit burnished with golden rind 

Hung amiable, — Hesperian fables true, 250 

If true, here only, — and of delicious taste. 

Betwixt them lawns, or level downs, and flocks 

Grazing the tender herb, were interposed, 

Or palmy hillock ; or the flowery lap 

Of some irriguous valley spread her store, 255 

Flowers of all hue, and without thorn the rose. 

Another side, umbrageous grots and caves 

Of cool recess, o'er which the mantling vine 

Lays forth her purple grape, and gently creeps 

Luxuriant: meanwhile murmuring waters fall 260 

Down the slope hills dispersed, or in a lake, 

That to the fringed bank with myrtle crowned 

Her crystal mirror holds, unite their streams. 

Tlie birds their quire apply ; airs, vernal airs. 

Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune 265 

The ti-embling leaves, while universal Pan, 

238. orient, eastern; such as 250. arw/aWe. lovely or pleasing 
IS found in the East. to the sight. See Psalm Ixxxiv. 

239. error, -vrandering; course. 1 . — Hesperian fables. See IH. 
241. nice Art. nice Art had set. 56S. — true, proved tnie. 

24.*^. 6oon, bountiful. 2^1. or connects /a^/ and ?/n»7« . 

245. vnpierce'I, not penetrated 264. oiiire. choir. — apply, add : 

bv the ravs of the sun. or, p!y ; employ. 

"246. /;n/»07fne</. darkened. 265. «?«"?(?. make tuneful. 

247. of various view, present- 266. vnh-ersal Pan. Pan ^^'i 

ing various scenes. the god of shepherds and flnclM 



106 



PARADISE LOST. 



[Boor V9 



Iviiit with the Graces and the Hours In dance, 

Led on the eternal Spring. Not that fair field 

Of Enna, where Proserpine gathering flowers, 

Herself a fairer flower, by gloomy Dis 

Was gathered, which cost Ceres all that pain 

To seek her through the world ; nor that sweet grove 

Of Daphne by Orontes, and the inspired 

Castalian spring, might with this Paradise 

Of Eden strive ; nor that Nyseian isle 

Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham, 

Whom Gentiles Amnion call and Libyan Jove, 

Hid Amalthda and her florid son, 

Young Bacchus, from his stepdame Khea's eye; 

Nor where Abassin kings their issue guard. 

Mount Amara, though this by some supposed 

True Paradise, under the Ethiop line 



270 



276 



As the word Pan in Greek signi- 
fies»aZ^, he is sometunes supposed 
to typify all Nature. He often 
led the dances of the Nymphs. 

267. the Graces, three in num- 
ber, were the attendants of Ve- 
nus, the goddess of beauty, and 
Bometimes of other deities. — the 
Hours were the goddesses of the 
season.'!, whose course was repre- 
sented in their dance. 

269-272. Proserpine, the daugh- 
ter of Ceres, was seized by Pluto, 
or Dis, the god of the infernal 
regions, while she was gathering 
flowers in the fertile plain of 
Enna in Sicily, and borne away 
by him to be the queen of the 
lower world. Her mother, in ig- 
Dorance of her fate, sought her 
through the world. 

273. Daphne. The city of An- 
tioch, in Syria, was situated not 
far from the sea in the beautiful 
ralley of the river Orontes. Near 
It was a celebrated grove, called 
Daphne and consecrated to Apol- 
lo. 

274. Castalian spring. Casta- 
lia wag a fountain on Mount Par- 
•lusius, sacred to Apollo and the 



Muses. The spring that watered 
the grove of Daphne was also so 
called. 

275-279. that Nyseian isle is 
Nysa or Nyssa in Africa, where 
the god Bacchus was said to have 
been brought up. — Cham, or 
Ham, was a name given to Jupi- 
ter Ammon, who was worshipped 
in Libya, in the north of Africa. 

— Amulthea was sometimes con- 
sidered as the mother of Bacchus. 

— Rhea here seems to be the same 
as Cybele. who is called the moth- 
er of all the gods. 

280-285. Mount Ainara was in 
Ethiopia, near the Equinoctial 
line. In the midst of the hills 
of which the ridge was composed, 
or on the summit of the moun- 
tain, there was said to be a rich 
and beautiful plain. Here the 
childi'en of the kings of Abys- 
sinia were kept confined, until at 
the death of their fatlier one of 
them was taken from this " Hap- 
py Valley" to succeed liim.— 
The hill of Amara was said to be 
a ivhole day^s journey high. — 
Nilus'' head, the source of th« 
Nile. 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 107 

By NIlus* head, enclosed with shining rock, 

A whole day's journey high, but wide remote 

From this Assyrian garden, where the Fiend 285 

Saw undellghted all delight, all kind 

Of living creatures new to sight and strange. 

Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall, 
Godlike erect, with native honor clad 
In naked majesty seemed lords of all, 290 

And worthy seemed ; for in their looks divine 
The image of their glorious Maker shone. 
Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and jiure 
(Severe, but in true filial freedom placed). 
Whence true authority in men ; though both 296 

Not equal, as their sex not equal, seemed ; 
For contemplation he and valor formed. 
For softness she and sweet attractive grace ; 
He for God only, she for God in him. 
His fair large front and eye sublime declared 300 

Absolute rule ; and hyaclnthlne locks 
^^ Round from his parted forelock manly hung 
Clustering, but not beneath his shoulders broad : 
She, as a veil, down to the slender waist 
"^" Her unadorned golden tresses wore 396 

Dishevelled, but In v.-anton ringlets waved 

fAs the vine curls her tendrils, which implied 
Subjection, but required with gentle sway, 
^^ And by her yielded, by him best received, 
\X Yielded with coy submission, modest pride, 510 

And sweet reluctant amorous delay. 
Nor those mysterious parts were then concealed ; 

292 imnzf-. " God created brown or black. The ancient 

pan in his own image." Genesis pcits used the word to lepresenJ 

i, 27. different colors. 

300. /rent, forehead. — 5i<6;(»2«, SO'J. !tr<( v.', wavinir. 

elevated; noble. 3US. Ptqiiirru \fi here a pirtici- 

£01 Ayooini/uns, probably dark- pie 



t.^ 



109 PARA DTSE L OS T. [Book IV 

ThoD was not. guilty shame, dishonest shame 

Of nature's Avorks, honor dishonorable, 

Sin-bred, how have ye troubled all mankind 816 

With shows instead, mere shows of seeming pure, 

And banished from man's life his happiest life, 

Simplicity and spotless innocence ! 

So passed they naked on, nor shunned the sight 

Of God or angel, for they thought no ill : 320 

So hand in hand they passed, the loveliest pair 

That ever since in love's embraces met; 

Adam the goodliest man of men since born 

His sons, the fairest of her daughters Eve, 

Under a tuft of shade, ihat on a green 325 

Stood whispering soft, by a fi^esh fountain side 

They sat them down ; and after no more toil 

Of their sweet crardenino; labor than sufficed 

To recommend cool Zephyr, and made ease 

More easy, wholesome thirst and appetite S8f) 

More grateful, to their supper fruits they fell, 

Nectarine fi'uits, which the compliant boughs 

Yielded them, sidelong as they sat recline 

On the soft downy bank damasked with flowers. 

The savory pulp they chew, and in the rind, 335 

Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming stream ; 

Nor gentle purpose nor endearing smiles 

Wanted, nor youthful dalliance, as beseems 

Fair couple linked in happy nuptial league, 

Alone as they. About them frisking i)layed 340 

All beasts of the earth, since wild, and of all chase 

In wood or wilderness, forest or den : 

313-315. The pitnctuation is 333. recline, reclined, 

that of the earliest editions. A 337. purpose, discourse, 

period is needed after (Jislionor- 33S. Wnntecl, were wanting. 

able, or after the first shame. 311. wilf/, grown or become 

329. rerom'mend, make welcome wild. — of all chase, beasts of all 

nr acceptable. — Zephyr, or chase ; all beasts that are huntf*<J 

Zephyrus, is the personifica- in various ways. 
tion of the west wind. 






BooPv IV.] PARADISE LOST. 109 

'X Sporting the lion ramped, and in his paw 
\;^ Dandled the kid ; bears, tigers, ounces, pards, 
f-^ Gambolled before them ; the unwieldy elephant, 815 
^ To make them mirth, used all his might, and wreathed 
His lithe proboscis ; close the serpent sly 
"" Insinuating wove with Gordian twine 
His braided train, and of his fatal guile 
—- Gave proof unheeded ; others on the grass 360 

> Couched, and now filled with pasture gazing sat, 
^ Or bedward ruminating ; for the sun 
•s Declined was hasting now with prone career 
To tlie ocean Isles, and In the ascending scale 
Of heaven the stars that usher evening rose : 355 

When Satan, still In gaze as first he stood, 
Scarce thus at length failed speech recovered sad : 



->A 



" O Hell ! what do mine eyes with grief behold ? 
Into our room of bliss thus high advanced 
Creatures of other mould, earth-born perhaps, 360 

Not spirits, yet to heavenly spirits bright 
Little inferior ; whom my thoughts pui'sue 
With wonder, and could love, so lively shines 
In them divine resemblance, and such grace 
The hand that formed them on their shape hath 
poured. 366 

Ah, gentle pair ! ye little think how nigh 
Your change approaches, when all these delights 
Will vanish and deliver ye to woe, 

343. raJTJpei^, bounded ; leaped. 350. unheeded by Aiam snd 

344. pards, leopards, or pan- Eve. 

thers. 351. Couched, lay. 

348. Insinuating, winding So2. bedward rutninating, chew- 
along. — Gordian. At Gordium, ing the cud before they slept. 
In Asia Minor, was a celebratpl 353. prone, sloping downwards, 
knot, so intricate that an oracle 357. failed, lost for a time, 
declared that he who should \in- 359. Into our room of bliss, to 
tie it should rule the world, take our place in bliss. 
4.1exander of Macedon cut it with 362. Little inferior. "Thou 
his sword. — twine, twist hast made bio a little lower than 
the angels " Psahn viii. 5. 



110 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

More woe the more your taste Is now of joy : 

Happy, but for so happy ill secured Zld 

Long to continue, and this high seat your heaven 

Ill-fenced for heaven to keep out such a foe 

As now is entered ; yet no purposed foe 

To you, whom I could pity thus forlorn. 

Though I unpitied. League Avith you I seek, 375 

And mutual amity, so strait, so close. 

That I with you must dwell, or you with me, 

Henceforth : my dwelling haply may not please, 

Like this fair Paradise, your sense ; yet such 

Accept your INIaker's work ; he gave it me, 380 

Which I as freely give : Hell shall unfold, 

To entertain you two, her widest gates, 

And send forth all her kings ; there will be room. 

Not like these narrow limits, to receive 

Your numerous offspring : if no better place, 385 

Thank him who puts me loath to this revenge 

On you who wrong me not, for him Avho wronged. 

And should I at your harmless innocence 

Melt, as I do, yetpubhc reason just, 

Honor and empire with revenge enlarged 390 

By conquering this new world, compels me now 

To do what else, though danmed, I should abhor." 

So spake the Fiend, and with necessity, 
The tyrant's plea, excused his deviHsh deeds. 
Then from his lofty stand on that high tree 395" 

Down he alights among the sportful herd 
Of those four-footed kinds, himself now one, 
Now other, as their shape served best his end 
Nearer to view his prey, and unespied 398 

To mark what of their state he more might learn 

370. for, considering that you 3S1. Hell shall unfold. See 
are. Isaiah xi7. 9. 

371. continue, continue happy. 386. puts, impels. — loath, au 
376. /myself remain unpitied. willing. 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. Ill 

By word or action marked : about them round 
A lion now lie stalks with fiery glare ; 
Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied 
In some purlieu two gentle fawns at play, 
Straight couches close, then rising changes oft 4<:-€ 
His couchant watch, as one who chose his ground, 
Whence rushing he might surest seize them both 
. Griped in each paw : when Adam, first of men, 
To first of women Eve thus moving speech. 
Turned him all ear to hear new utterance tlow : 41C 

" Sole partner and sole part of all these joys, 
Dearer thyself than all, needs must the Power 
That made us, and for us this ample world, 
Be infinitely good, and of his good 
As liberal and free as infinite ; 415 

That raised us from the dust and placed us here 
: In all this happiness, who at his hand 
t-.^ Have nothing merited, nor can perform 

Aught whereof he hath need ; he who requires 
From us no other service than to keep 420 

This one, this easy charge, of all the trees 
^^ V In Paradise that bear delicious fruit 
Ss.So various, not to taste that only Tree 

Of Knowledge, planted by the Tree of Life ; 
.^ So near grows death to life, whate'er death is, 425 
• -^ Some dreadful thing no doubt ; for well thou know'st 
r /^' God hath pronounced it death to taste that tree, 
'• ^ The only sign of our obedience left 

Among so many signs of power and rule 

403. as a ti^er, in the form or saying, Of every tree cf the ^ar- 

likeness of a tiger. den tiiou mayest freely eat ; but 

iOy. r?2«i'/nir .s/?eecA, speaking. of the tree of the knowledge of 

410. him, Satan. — all ear. See good and evil, thou shalt not eat 

Comus, line 560, " I was all of it ; for in the day that thou 

ear." eatest thereof thou shalt surely 

423. 7iot. to taste. " And the die." Genesis ii. 16, 17. 
Lord God commanded the man, 






Vi 



112 PARADISE LOS 7. [Bock IV. 

Conferred upon us, and dominion given 430 

Over all other creatures that possess 

Earth, air, and sea. Then let us not think hard 

One easy prohibition, who enjoy 

Free leave so large to all things else, and choice 

Unlimited of manifold delights ; 136 

But let us ever praise him and extol 

His bounty, following our delightful task, 

To prune these growing plants and tend these flowei^s, 

Which were it toilsome yet with thee were sweet." 

To whom thus Eve replied : " O thou for whom 
And from whom I was formed, flesh of thy flesh, 4U 
And without whom am to no end, my guide 
And head, what thou hast said is just and right : 
For we to him indeed all praises owe. 
And daily thanks ; I chiefly, who enjoy 445 

So far the happier lot, enjoying thee 
Preeminent by so much odds, while thou 
Like consort to thyself canst nowhere find. 
That day I oft remember, when from sleep 
I first awaked, and found myself reposed 450 

Under a shade on flowers, much wondering where 
And Avhat I was, whence thither brought, and how. 
Not distant far fi-om thence a murmuring sound 
Of waters Issued from a cave, and spread 
Into a liquid plain, then stood unmoved, 456 

Pure as the expanse of heaven : I thither went 
With unexperienced thought, and laid me down 
On the green bank, to look into the clear 
Smooth lake, that to me seemed another sky. 



4313. dominion, of dominion.— 431. possess, occxnpj. 
given. " llaye dominion over the 441. froin tv/inm I was formed 

fish of the sea, and over the fowl See Genesis ii. 21-23. 
of the air, and over every living 443. head. "The head of_th« 

thing that moveth upon the woman is the man." 1 Cor. xi. 3 
sarth." Genesis i. 28. 450. reposed, laid as for rest. 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 113 

As I bent down to look, just opposite 460 

A shape within the watery gleam appeared, 
Bending to look on me : I started back, 
[t started back ; but pleased I -soon returned, 
Pleased it returned as soon with answering looks 
Of sympathy and love : there I had fixed 46c 

Mine eyes till now, and pined with vain desire. 
Had not a voice thus warned me : ' What thou seest, 
What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself; 
With thee it came and goes : but follow me. 
And I will bring thee where no shadow stays 470 

Thy coming and thy soft embraces ; he 
Whose image thou art, him thou shalt enjoy 
Inseparably thine, to him shalt bear 
Multitudes like thyself, and thence be called 
Mother of human race.' What could I do 476 

But follow straight, invisibly thus led ? 
Till I espied thee, foir indeed and tall, 
Under a platane ; yet, methought, less fair, 
Less winning soft, less amiably mild, 
Than that smooth watery image : back I turned ; m 
Thou following criedst aloud, ' Return, fair Eve ; 
Whom fly'st thou ? whom thou fly'st, of him thou art. 
His flesh, his bone ; to give thee being I lent 
Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart, 
Substantial life, to have thee by my side 485 

Henceforth an individual sola'ce dear; 
Part of my soul I seek thee, and thee claim 
Mj;^her_hslf' With that thy gentle hand 
*^ized mine ; I yielded, and from that time see 
How beauty is excelled by manly grace 490 

And wisdom, which alone is truly fair." 



465. harJ, should have. 485. Substantial having sub- 

478. platane, plane-tree. stance ; material. 

479. amiably, so as to attract, 486. individual, inseparable ; 
or to inspire Ioto. not diyided. 

8 



[14 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

So spake our general rnotlier, and with eyes 
Of conjugal attraction unreproved 
^ . And meek surrender, half embracing leaned 
^ On our first father ; half her swelling breast 486 

■Naked met his, under the flowing gold 
Of her loose tresses hid : he in delight 
Both of her beauty and submissive charms 
Smiled with superior love, as Jupiter 
s^ On Juno smiles when he impregns the clouds COO 

^ That shed INlay flowers, and pressed her matron lip 
^ With kisses pure : aside the Devil turned 
For envy, yet with jealous leer malign 
Eyed them askance, and to himself thus plained : 

" Sight hateful, sight tormenting ! Thus these two, 
Imparadised in one another's arms, 506 

The happier Eden, shall enjoy their fill 
Of bliss on bliss ; while I to Ilell am thrust, 
Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire, 
" Amongst our other torments not the least, 510 

Still unfulfilled with pain of longing pines. 
^ Yet let me not forget what I have gained 
^ From their own mouths : all is not theirs it seems ; 
Ni One fatal tree there stands of knowledge called, 
>> Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden ? 
I ^ Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord 616 
; ^vEnvy them that ? can it be sin to know ? 
"■V ..^ Can it be death ? and do they only stand 
'^'** "^sBy ignorance ? is that their happy state, 
5 y J ^he proof of their obedience and their fiiith ? 530 

i ^10 fair foundation laid whereon to build 
5»^ ■'^5 Their ruin ! Hence I will excite their minds 
^ With more desire to know, and to reject 

500. impregns, makes fruitful glance. — plained, complained 
or fertilizing , impregnates. murmured. 

504 askance, with sideway 




Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 115 

Envious commands, invented with design 

To keep them low, whom knowletlge might exalt 526 

Equal with gods ; aspiring to be such. 

They taste and die : what likelier can ensue ? — 

But first with narrow seai^h I must walk round 

This garden, and no corner leave unspied ; 

A chance but chance may lead where I may meet o^J 

Some wandering spirit of Heaven, by fountain side 

Or in thick shade retired, from him to draw 

What further would be learned. Live while ye may, 

Yet happy pair ; enjoy, till I return, 

Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed." 535 

So saying, his proud step he scornful turned 
j^jfy^rjj^'^ But with sly circumspection, and began, 
'^x*" Through wood, through waste, o'er hill, o'er dale, his 

"■"" roam. 

Meanwhile in utmost longitude, where heaven 
With earth and ocean meets, the setting sun 640 

Slowly descended, and with right aspe'ct 
Against the eastern gate of Paradise 
Levelled his evening rays : it was a rock 
■^^ Of alabaster, piled up to the clouds, 

'^ J Conspicuous far, winding with one ascent 545 

A ^.,€ Accessible from earth, one entrance high ; 
,j^^^% The rest was craggy cliff, that overhung 
^ . "^ Still as it rose, impossible to climb. 
^ ^">^ Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat, 
"""^ Chief of the angelic guai'ds, awaiting night : 650 

About him exercised heroic games 
^The unarmed youth of Heaven ; but nigh at hand 

627. ichat likelier can ensue? 541. with ri^ht aspect^ ynth ^• 

what is more likely to be the con- rect look ; directlj^ opposite, 

•equeuce? 5-12. Ai^ninst the enstfrn gate. 

530. A chance but, there is a It could have been only against 

thance that. ' the inner side of the eastern gate, 

539. (71 utmost longitude, in the that the setting su7i levelled his 

ferthefit or extreme west. evening rays. 

543. levelled, cast horizontally 



1 iT 



116 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

Celestial armory, shields, helms, and spears, 
Hung high with diamond ilaming and with gold. 
Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even gU 

On a sunbeam, «wift as a shooting star 
In autumn thwarts the night, when vapors fired 
Impress the air, and shows the mariner 
From what point of his compass to beware 
Impetuous winds : he thus began in haste : 6O0 

" Gabriel, to thee thy course by lot bath given 
Charge and strict watcli, that to this happy place 
No evil thing approach or enter in. 
This day at height of noon came to my sphere 
A Spirit, zealous, as he seemed, to know 665 

More of the Almighty's works, and chiefly Man, 
God's latest image : I described his way 
Bent all on speed, and marked his aery gait ; 
But in the mount that lies from Eden north, 
Where he first lighted, soon discerned his looks 570 
Alien from Heaven, with passions foul obscured : 
Mine eye pin-sued him still, but under shade 
Lost sight of him. One of the banished crew, 
I fear, hath ventured from the deep to raise 
New troubles ; him thy care must be to find." 578 

To whom the winged warrior thus returned : 
'' Uriel, no wonder if thy perfect sight. 
Amid the sun's bright circle where thou sitt'st, 
See far and wide. In at this gate none pass 
The vigilance here placed, but such as come 580 

Well known from Heaven ; and since meridian hour 
No creature thence : if spirit of other sort, 

555. the even, the evening sky. 5G4-567. See III. 613-680.— rf»> 

557. thwarts the ni^ht, shoots scribtrJ his tcay, described th« 

ncross or through the dai-kness. way to him. 

•558. Impress, mark ; make a 569-573. See lines 114-130. 

tray upon. 580. vigilance, guard ; waiicb 

661. Course. See 1 Chronicles 
coii.-xxvi., and Luke i. 8, 9. 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 117 

'f So minded, have o'erleaped these earthy bounds 

On purpos<i, hard thou know'st it to exclude 
Spiritual substance with corporeal bar. 686 

But if within the circuit of these walks 
^ In whatsoever shape he lurk of whom 

Thou tell'st, by morrow dawning I shall know.'* 

^- So promised he ; and Uriel to his charge 

rt*- .r^^^*^*-* Returned on that bright beam, whose point now 
iK £<*^^ raised 590 

Bore him slope downward to the sun, now fallen 
Beneath the Azores ; whetlier the prime orb, 
Incredible how swift, had thither rolled 
Diurnal, or tliis less voliibll earth, 
By shorter flight to the east, had left him there, 595 
Arraying with reflected purple and gold 
^he clouds that on his western throne attend. 

Now came still evening on, and twilight gray 
Had in her sober livery all things clad ; 
Silence accompanied; for beast and bird, 600 

They to their grassy couch, these to their nests, 
' Were slunk, all but the wakeful nightingale ; 

She all night long her amorous descant sung ; 
Silence was pleased : now glowed the firmament 
With living sapphires ; Hesperus that led 505 

The starry host rode brightest ; till the moon, 
Rising in clouded majesty, at length 

587. he of whom thou tellest motion round the earth, as was 

lurk in any shape, whatever it anciently supposed, or, according 

P5V i,e. to the modern system of Astron- 

590. lohose point now rm'serl. omy. of the turning of the hss 

As the sun had set. its beams roli^hi! earth on its a.\is e-Astv/'Ard. 

were no long:er horizontal, but If the former, it was the prime 

now striking upwards. orh, or Primum Mobile {.see III. 

592. the Azores, or Western 481-1S3), that caused the motion 

Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, of the sun. —/''w ro/M6<7, moving 

due west from Mesopotamia. through less space. 

592-595. The sun had set,in con- 605. Hesperus, the evening star 

sequence either of its own diurnal seen in the west. 



Vi 



118 PARADISE LOST. [Boon IT. 

A.pparent queen unveiled her peerless light, 
^nd o'er the dark her silver mantle threw ; 
When Adam thus to Eve : " Fair consort, the hour 
Of night, and all things now retired to rest, 611 

Mind ns of like repose, since God hath set 
Labor and rest, as day and night, to men 
Successive; and the timely dew of sleep, 
f\ ly' Now falling with soft slumbrous weight, inclines 6iS 
Our eyelids : other creatures all day long 
Rove idle, unemployed, and le?s need rest : 
Man hath his daily work of body or mind 
Appointed, which declares his dignity, 
And the regard of Heaven on all his ways ; 620 

While other animals unactive range, 
And of their doings God takes no account. 
To-morrow, ere fresh morning streak the east 
With first approach of light, we must be risen. 
And at our pleasant labor, to reform 625 

Yon flowery arbors, yonder alleys green. 
Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown, 
That mock our scant manuring, and require 
More hands than ours to lop their wanton growth : 
Those blossoms also and those dropping gums 630 

That lie bestrown, unsightly and unsmooth. 
Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease ; 
Meanwhile, as nature wills, night bids us rest." 

To whom thus Eve, with perfect beauty adorned : 
'• My author and disposer, what thou bidd'st 68{ 

Unargued I obey, so God ordains : 
God IS thy TawT'thou mine ; to know no more 
Is woman's happiest knowledge and her praise. 

608. Apparent, manifest ; e\i- 628. mnnvrins;, manoeuyering 

dent. ■working with the hand. 

615. inclines, weighs down. 632. ask, require. — riddance 

625. re/orm, fonxL anew ; re-ar- clearance. 

range. 637. ihoii mine. See line 299 



Book IV ] PARADISE LOST. 1 U 

With thee conversing I forget all time ; 

All seasons and their change, all please alike. 640 

Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet, 

With charm of earliest birds ; pleasant the sun, 

When first on this delightful land he spreads 

His orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flower, 

Glistering with dew ; fragi-ant the fertile earth 64fj 

After soft showers ; and sweet the coming on 

Of grateful evening mild ; then silent night, 

With this her solemn bird and this fair moon. 

And these the gems of heaven, her starry train : 

But iiL'itbcr breath of morn when she ascends 650 

With charm of earliest birds, nor rising sun 

On this delightful land, nor herb, fruit, flower, 

Glistering with dew, nor fragrance after showers, 

Nor grateful evening mild, nor silent night 

With this her solemn bird, nor walk by mooa 655 

Or glittering starlight, without thee is sweet. 

But w^herefore all night long shine these ? for whom 

This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes ? " 

To whom our general ancestor replied : 
" Daughter of God and Man, accomplished Eve, 660 
These have their course to finish round the earth 
By morrow evening, and from land to land 
In order, though to nations yet unborn. 
Ministering light prepared, they set and rise ; 
Lest total darkness should by night regain 665 

Her old possession, and extinguish life 
(n nature and all things, which these soft fires 
Not only enlighten, but with kindly heat 
Of various influence foment and warm. 
Temper or nourish, or in part shed down 670 

Their stellar virtue on all kinds that o-row 



642. charm^ chorus ; song. 680. accomplished, perfected : 

647. grateful, pleasing. endowed with all gifts. 

648. licT sole7nn bird. See line 671. stellar virtue, influence of 
?02. the stars, which, u> the days oi 



120 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV. 

On earth, made hereby apter to receive 
Perfection from the sun's more potent ray ; 
These then, though unbeheld in deep of night, 
Slilne not in vain. Nor thnik, though men were 
none, 675 

That heaven would Avant spectators, God Avant praL^i : 
Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth 
Unseen, both Avhen we wake and when we sleep ; 
All these with ceaseless praise his Avorks behold 
Both day and night. Hoav often from the steep 680 
Of echoing hill or thicket, have Ave heard 
Celestial voices to the midnight air, 
Sole, or responsive each to other's note. 
Singing the great Creator ! oft in bands 684 

While they keep Avatch, or nightly rounding Avalk, 
AVith heavenly touch of instrumental sounds 
In full harmonic number joined, their songs 
_pivlde the night and lift our thoughts to Heaven." 

Thus talking, hand in hand alone they passed 
On to their blissful bower : it Avas a place 690 

Chosen by the sovran planter, Avhen he framed 
All things to Man's delightful use : the roof 
Of thickest covert Avas iuAvovcn shade, 
Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grcAv 
Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side 695 

Acanthus and each odorous bushy shrub 
Fenced up the verdant Avail ; each beauteous flower, 
tris all hues, roses and jessamine, 
cleared high their flourished heads between, and 

wrought 
Mosaic ; underfoot the violet, . 70c 

Crocus, and hyacinth, Avith rich inlay 

astrology, were suppofsed to have 698. all hues, of all hues, 

power over things on the earth. 699. Jioiirisherl, adorned witli 

688. Divi'h the ni^ht. In a flower.s. — wrought, made by their 

Roman camp the night was di- different colors, 

fided into watches by the sound 701. inlarj, inlaid work, 
of trumpets. 



BooKlV.] PARADISE LOST, 121 

Broidered tlic ground, more colored than -with stone 

Of costliest emblem : other creatm-e here, 

Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none, 

Such was their awe of Man. In shadier bower 706 

More sacred and sequestered, though but feigned, 

Pan or Sylvanus never slept, nor Nymph 

Nor Faunus haunted. Here, in close recess, 

With flowers, garlands, and sweet smelling herbs, 

Espoused Eve. decked first her nuptial bed ; 710 

And heavenly quires the hymcnasan sung, 

What day the genial angel to our sire 

Brought her, in naked beauty more adorned, 

More lovely than Pandora, whom the gods 

Endowed with all their gifts, and O too like 715 

In sad event ! when to the unwiser son 

Of Japhet brought by Hermes she ensnared 

Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged 

On him who had stole Jove's authentic fire. 

Thus at their shady lodge arrived, both stood, 720 
Both turned, and under open sky adored 
The God that made both sky, air, earth, and heaven 
Which they beheld, the moon's resplendent globe, 
And starry pole : " Thou also mad'st the night, 
Maker omnipotent ! and thou the day, 725 

703. emblem^ inlaid or mosaic first woman, Pandora (all-gift- 
work ed), on whom the gods had con- 

707. Fan. See line 266. — 5/Z- ferred every charm. Wnnes^ox 

vanus was a rural god, who pre- Mercury, brought her to Eijima- 

lidcd over woods and fields.— theus, the vnivisei- son of Japhet, 

iVy??!^. The Nymphs were female who, despite the warnmg of his 

divinities, some of whom dwelt in brother Prometheus, took her to 



|rovcs and trees. 



She had brought with her 



708 Faunus was the god of from heaven a box containing all 

fields b.nd shepherds. the ills that afflict humanity. 

711. hymen^nn. nuptial song. When the box was opened, these 

714-719. Prometheus, son of es.aped and spread over the 

lapotus or Japhet, stole fire from earth, Hope alone remammg 

heaven, Jove's authentic f.re, for This was the sad event, or con- 

the use of mortals. In revenge, sequence. — authentic, of which 

Jupiter sent to earth, for the he was the author, 
uiisery of the human race, tho 



122 PARADISE LOST. 'Book IV 

Wlilch we in our appointed work employed 

Have finished, bappy in our mutual help 

And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss. 

Ordained by thee ; and this delicious place 

For us too large, where thy abundance wants 780 

Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground. 

But ^liou hast promised from us two a race 

To fill the earth, who shall with us extol 

Thy goodness infinite, both when we Avake, 

And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep." 736 

This said unanimous, and other rites 
Observing none, but adoration pure 
■ Which God likes best, into their inmost bower 
Handed they went ; and, eased the putting off 
These troublesome disguises which we wear, 740 

Straight side by side were laid ; nor turned, I 

ween, 
Adam from his fair spouse, nor Eve the rites 
Mysterious of connubial lovo refused ; 
Whatever hypocrites austerely talk 
Of purity, and place, and innocence, 745 

Defaming as impure what God declares 
Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all. 
Our Maker bids increase ; who bids abstain 
But our destroyer, foe to God and Man ? 
Hail, wedded love ! mysterious law, true source 750 
Of human offspring, sole propriety 
In Paradise of all things common else. 
By thee adulterous lust was driven from men 
Among the bestial herds to range; by thee, 
Founded in reason, loyal, just and pure, 755 

Relations dear, and all the charities 
Of father, son, and brother, first were known. 

731. uncropt^ ungathered. 739. handed^ hand in hand.' 

735. ihy gift. " He giveth his eased., spared, 
beloved sleep. ' Psalm cxxvii. 2. 751. 'propriety^ property. 



RooKlY.] PARADISE LOS'I. 123 

Far be it, that I should write tliee sin or blame, 
Or think thee unbefitting holiest jilace, 
Perpetual fountain of domcstie sweets, 760 

Whose bed is undefiled and chaste pronounced, 
Present or past, as saints and patriarchs used. 
Here Love his golden shafts employs, here lights 
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings. 
Reigns here and revels ; not in the bought smile 765 
Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendeared. 
Casual fruition ; nor in court amours. 
Mixed dance, or wanton mask, or midnight ball, 
Or serenate, which the starved lover sings 
To his proud feir, best quitted with disdain. 770 

These, lulled by nightingales, embracing slept, 
And on their naked limbs the flowery roof 
Showered roses, which the morn repaired. Sleep on. 
Blest pair ; and O yet happiest if ye seek 
_ No happier state, and know to know no more ! 775 

Now had Night measured with her shadowy cone 
^^ "" I Half-way up hill this vast sublunar vault, 

fj^A"*-^ And from their i^'ory port the Cherubim 

X Off Forth issuing at the accustomed hour, stood armed 

.-,-^^ To their night watches in warlike parade, 780 

When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake : 

•' U::ziel, half these draw off, and coast the south 
With strictest watch ; these other wheel the north ; 
Our circuit meets full west." — As flame they part, 
Half wheeling to the sk'eld, half to the spear. 'm 

769. serenate, from the Italian zenith. If the day and ijght 

'serenata," serenade. were each twelve hours lon^, this 

776. shailoicij cone. The shad- would be half way between sun- 
I w of the earth is cone-shaped, set aud midnight. 

khe sun being the larger body. 779. port, gate. 

This moves as the sun (properly, 783. wheel, more round. - 

'he eartli) moves. these other were under Gabriel 

777. Half loay up hill, half himself. 

\\..j from the horizon to the "So. Half wheeling to the shield, 



121 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

From these, two strong and subtle spirits lie called 
That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge : 

" Ithuriel and ^ejihori^ with winged sjieed 
Search through this garden, leave unsearched no nook 
But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodge, 79( 
Now laid perhaps asleep, secure of harm. 
This evening from the sun's decline arrived 
Who tells of some infernal spirit seen 
Hitherward bent (who could have thought ?), escaped 
The bars of Plell, on errand bad no doubt : 795 

Such, where ye find, seize fast and hither brino." 

So saying, on he led his radiant files. 
Dazzling the moon ; these to the bower direct 
In search of whom they sought : him there tbey 

found, 
Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve, 800 

Ij^ Assapng by his devilish art to reach 

The organs of her fancy, and w^ith them forge 

Illusions as he list, phantasms and dreams ; 

Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint 

The animal spirits that from pure blood arise SuS 

Like gentle breaths from rivers pure, thence raise 

At least distempered, discontented thoughts, 

Vain hopes, vain aims, inordinate desires. 

Blown up with high conceits ingendering pride. 

Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear 81C 

Touched lightly ; for no falsehood can endure 

Touch of celestial temper, but returns 

or left, shields beiug worn on the 793. Who, one who. See lines 

left arm, and half to the spear, or 549-575. 

right hand, in which the spear 798. these (see line 786), these 

•yascan-ied. proceeded. 

<86. these, these other, who 799. whom, him whom, 

wheeled to the right. — 5J<6i/e, 804. yrt5;>(Wnf, breathing in. 

quick to observe. 803. raise, might rai.-^e. 

<81. secure of, without anxiety 812. celestial temper. See 1 

or care on account of; free from 285. 
the fear of. 






Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 125 

Of force to Its own likeness ; up he starts, 

Discovered and surprised. As when a spark 

Lights on a heap of nitrous powder, laid 816 

Fit for the tun some magazine to store 

Against a rumored war, the smutty grain 

With sudden blaze diffused inflames the air ; 

So started up in his own shape the Fiend. 

Back stepped those two fair angels, half amazed S20 

So sudden to behold the grisly king ; 

Yet thus, unmoved with fear, accost him soon : 

" Which of those rebel spirits adjudged to Hell 
Com'st thou, escaped thy prison ? and transformed 
Why sat'st thou like an enemy in wait, 825 

Here watching at the head of these that sleep ? " 

" Know ye not then," said Satan, filled with scorn, 
" Know ye not me ? ye kncAv me once no mate 
For you, tliere sitting where ye durst not soar : 
Not to know me argues yourselves unknown, 830 

The lowest of your throng ; or if ye know, 
Why ask ye, and superfluous begin 
Your message, like to end as much in vain ? " 

To whom thus /^ephon , answering scorn with scorn ; 
" Think not, levolted Spirit, thy shape the same, S35 
Or undiminished brightness, to be known 
As when thou stood'st in Heaven upright and pure : 
That glory then, when thou no more wast good, 
Depaj'ted from thee, and thou resemblest now 
Thy sin and place of doom obscure and foul. S40 

But come ; for thou, be sure, shalt give account 

813. Of/orce, of necessity. 835,836. Think not thy shape 

816. Fit for the tun, ready to the same, or thy brightness uu- 
be put iuto casks. diminished, so that tliou sliouldst 

817. stnutly grain, gunpowder, be known. — This seems the best 
830. argues, proves. rendering. 



126 PA RAD IS?: LOST. [Boor. IV 

To him wlio sent us, wlio?e charge Is to keep 
This place inviolable, and these from harm." 

So spake the Cherub ; and his grave rebuke, 
i^evere in youthful beauty, added grace 8« 

Invincible : abashed the Devil stood, 
And felt how awful goodness is, and saw 
Virtue in her shape how lovely ; saw, and pined 
His loss ; but chiefly to find here observed 
His lustre visibly impaired ; yet seemed 8fi0 

Undaunted. " If I must contend," said he, 
■•' Best with the best, the sender not the sent. 
Or all at once ; more glory will be won, 
Or less be lost." " Thy fear," said Zephon bold, 
" Will save us trial what the least can do 855 

Single against thee wicked, and thence weak." 

The Fiend replied not, overcome with rage ; 
But like a proud steed reined went haughty on, 
Champing his iron curb : to strive or fly 
He held it vain ; awe from above had quelled 860 
His heart, not else dismayed. Now drew they nigh 
The western point, where those half-rounding guards 
Just met, and closing stood in squadron joined. 
Awaiting next command. To whom their chief, 
Gabriel, from the front thus called aloud : 86S 

" O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet 
Hasting this way, and noAv by glimpse discern 
(thuriiil and Zephon through the shade ; 
And with them comes a third of regal port 
But laded splendor wan, who by his gait 870 

849. chie/I>/. chiefly pined. 855. trial, the trial or trying 

850. His lustre, that his lustre of. 

was. 869. port, bearing. 

852. It is liest to contend ; or 
perhaps let the best contend. 



B.-OKlV.] PARADISE LOST. 127 

And fierce demeanor seems the Prince of Hell, 
Not likely to part hence without contest ; 
Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours." 

He scarce had ended, when those two approached, 
And brief related whom they brought, where found, 
How busied, in what form and posture couched. S76 

To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake : 
•' Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescribed 
To thy transgressions, and disturbed the charge 
Of others, who approve not to transgress 880 

By thy example, but have power and right 
To question thy bold entrance on this place ; 
Employed it seems to violate sleep, and those 
Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss ? " 

To whom thus Satan with contemi)tuous brow : 885 
" Gabriel, thou hadst in Heaven the esteem of wise, 
And such I held thee ; but this question asked 
Puts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ? 
Who would not, finding way, break loose from Hell, 
Though thither doomed ? Thou wouldst thyself, no 
doubt, 890 

And boldly venture to whatever place 
Farthest from pain, where thou might'st hope to 

change 
Torment with ease, and soonest recompense 
Dole with delight, which In this place I sought ; 
To thee no reason, who know'st only good, 896 

But evil hast not tried ; and wilt object 

873. lours, lowers. 893. recompense., compensate. 

877. regard, look. 894. Dole, pain ; grief. 

S80. approve not, do not think 895. To thee no reason, this \s 

it rio;ht. to th(ie no reason. 

8S6. hadst the esteem of wise., 896. «'//f o6/ec^, wilt thju bring 

•yast esteemed wise. as an objection. 

888. who, any who. 



1 28 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

His will who bound us ? Let him surer bar 

His iron gates, if he intends our stay 

In that dark durance. Thus much what was asked ; 

The rest is true, they found me where they say ; 90C 

But that implies not violence or harm." 

Thus he in scorn. The warlike angel moved, 
Disdainfully half-smiling, thus, replied : 
" O loss of one in Heaven to judge of wise, 
Since Satan fell ! whom folly overflirew, ■ 905 

And now returns him from his prison scaped, 
Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise 
Or not, Avho ask what boldness brought him hither 
Unlicensed from his bounds in Hell prescribed ; 
So wise he judges it to fly from pain 910 

However, and to scape his punishment ! 
So judge thou still, presumptuous, till the wrath, 
Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet 'thy flight 
Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to Hell, 
Which taught thee yet no better, that' no pain 915 
Can equal anger infinite provoked. , 
But wherefore thou alone ? Avherefore with thee 
Came not all Hell broke loose ? is pain to them 
Less pain, less to be fled ? or thou than they 
Less hardy to endure ? Courageous chief ! 920 

The first in flight from pain, hadst thou alleged 
To thy deserted host this cause of flight, 
Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive." 

To which the Fiend thus answered, frowning stern : 
*' Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain, 925 

lus'.iltlntr ancrel ; well thou know'st I stood 



897. Perhaps not interrogative. 904. o/"it)/se, who are wise 

8!W. what, for what; in reply Ltll. However^ in any wajT 

k what. whatever. 

902. nioff', stirred in spirit; 916. (qual, he equal to. 

BXCit*-!!. 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 129 

Thy fiercest, Avhen in battle to tliy aid 

The blasting volleyed thunder made all speed, 

And seconded thy else not dreaded spear. 

But still thy words at random, as before, 93C 

Argue thy inexperience what behooves. 

From hard assays and ill successes past, 

A fiiithful leader, not to hazard all 

Through .ways of danger by. himself untried. 

1 therefore, I alone, first undertook 936 

To wing the desolate abyss, and spy 

This new created world, whereof in Hell 

Fame is not silent, here in hope to find 

Better abode, and my afflicted Powers 

To settle here on earth, or in mid-air ; 940 

Though for possession put to try once more 

What thou and thy gay legions dare against ; 

Whose easier business were to serve their Lord 

High up in Heaven, Avith spngs to hymn his throne, 

And practised distances to cringe, not fight." 945 

To whom the warrior angel soon replied : 
" To say and straight unsay, pretending first 
Wise to fly pain, professing next the spy. 
Argues no leader, but a liar traced, 
Satan ! and couldst thou faithful add ? O name, 950 
O sacred name of faithfulness protaned ! 
Faithful to whom ? to thy rebellious crew ? 
Army of fiends, fit body to fit head ! 
Was this your discipline and faith engaged, 

927. Thy fiercest^ thy fiercest against, dare to attempt against 
attack ; the fiercest thou couldst us. 



do 



943. were, would be. 



931. Argue. See line 830. — 945. And practised distances, 

what of what. such distances as courtiers prac- 

935'. I alone. See II. 420-457. ti.^e in their obeisances. — ifi/A 

939. Powers. See I. 128, 186. seems to govern distances, 

941. put, put to it ; forced 5 we 948. Wise, that it is wise, 
should be forced. 949. traced, tracked; found 

942. gay, bright ; fine. — dare out ; clearly shown. 



iaO PARADISE LOST. [i^ooK IV 

youi military obedience, to dissolve 361 

Alle^^iance to the acknowledged powei supreme ? 

And thou, sly hypocrite, who now wot Idst seem 

Patron of liberty, who more than thou 

Once fawned and cringed, and servilely adored 

Heaven's awful monarch ? wherefore, but In hope 960 

To dispossess him, and thyself to reign ? 

But mark Avhat I arreed thee now — Avaunt ! 

Fly thither whence thou fledd'st : If from this hour 

Within these hallowed limits thou appear, 

Back to the infernal pit I drag thee chained, 965 

And seal thee so, as henceforth not to scorn 

The facile gates of Hell, too slightly barred." 

So threatened he ; but Satan to no threats 
Gave heed, but waxing more in rage replied : 

" Then when I am thy captive talk of chains, 970 
Proud limitary Cherub ! but ere then 
Far heavier load thyself expect to feel 
From my prevailing arm, though Heaven's king 
Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy compeers, 
Used to the yoke, draw'st his triumphant wlieels 975 
In progress through the road of Heaven star-paved." 

While thus he spake, the angelic squadron bright 
Turned fiery red, sharpening in mooned horns 
Their phalanx, and began to hem him round 
With ported spears, as thick as when a field 980 

Of Ceres ripe for harvest waving bends 
[l&c bearded groves of ears which way the wind 

962. amed, direct ; appoint. form of a crescent, like the new 

966. seal. See Revelation xx. 3. moon. 

967. facile^ easy to be opened. 980. ported^ borne with theii 
971. limitanj, set to guard the points towards him. 

limits. 981. Ceres (see line 271) wa* 

978. in mooned horns, in the the goddess of agriculture. 



BOOK 17.] PARADFSE LOST. 131 

Sways tliem ; the careful ploughman doubting stands^ 
Lest on the threshing-floor his hopeful sheaves 
Prove chaff. On the other side, Satan alarmed, 985 
Collecting all his might, dilated stood. 
Like Teneriffe or Atlas unremoved : 
His stature reached the sky, and on his crest 
Sat horror plumed ; nor wanted in his grasp 
What seemed both spear and shield. Now dreadful 
deeds 990 

Might have ensued, nor only Paradise 
In this commotion, but the starry cope 
Of heaven perhaps, or all the elements 
At least had gone to wrack, disturbed and torn 
With violence of this conflict, had not soon 995 

The Eternal, to prevent such horrid fray, 
Hung forth in heaven his golden scales, yet seen 
Betwixt Astrea and the Scorpion sign. 
Wherein all things created first he weighed, 
The pendulous round earth with balanced air lOOO 
In counterpoise, now ponders all events, 
Battles and realms: In these he put two weights, 
The sequel each of parting and of fight ; 
The latter quick up flew and kicked the beam, 
Which Gabriel spying thus bespakc the Fiend : 1005 

" Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know'st 
mine, 

985. alnrmed, routed. depraved, was removed from 

987. Teneriffe is a iiigh peak earth to heaven, where she shiues 

oi one of the Canary Islands, as the constellation Virgo. 

Atlas is a range of mountains in 999. first lie weisrhc/J. "Weigh- 

ihe north of Africa. — unreinover/, ed the mountains in scales, and 

Immovable. the hills in a balance." Isaiah 

989. ivanterl, was wanting. xl. 12. 

997. his s:nlden sca'es,yet'seen. 1001. In counterpoise, vrelghei 
The pign Libra, or the Balance, against each other. — noio pari' 
between Virgo and Scorpio. ders, and now weighs. 

998. AstrcRa was the goddess of 100-3. The sequH, as showing 
iii8tice, who, when men became the consequence or event. 



l82 PARADISE LOST. [Book I\ 

Neither our own, but given ; wliat folly then 

To boast what arms can do ! since thine no n'ore 

Than Heaven permits, nor mine, though doubled now 

To trample thee as mire : for proof look up, 1010 

And read thy lot in yon celestial sign, 

Where thou art weighed, and shown how light, how 

weak. 
If thou resist." The Fiend looked up, and knew 
His mounted scale aloft : nor more ; but lied 1014 

Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night. 

1008. Since thine, since thy 1012. Wiere thou art loeighed, 

strength can do. " Thou art weighed in the bal- 

lOOy. nor mine, nor can mine. an.ces, and art found wanting." 

— though, though it were. Dan. v. 27. 

l^m' trample thee as mire. See 1014. nor more, nor looked 

Ceaiah x. 8. more, or for more. 



BOOK V 

THE ARGUSIENT. 

MORNiKO approached, Eve relates to Adam her tioublesome dream , 
he likes it not, yet comforts her. They come forth to their lay- 
labors ; their morniug hymn at the door of their bower. God, to 
render man inexcusable, sends Raphael to admonish him of his 
obedience ; of his free estate ; of Ms enemy near at hand, who he 
is, and why his enemy ; and whatever else may avail Adam to 
know. Raphael comes down to Paradise ; his appearance de- 
scribed ; his coming discerned by Adam afar off sitting at the 
door of his bower ; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his 
lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise got to- 
gether by Eve ; their discourse at table. Raphael performs his 
message, minds Adam of his state and of his enemy ; relates, at 
Adam's request, who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, 
beginning from his first revolt in Heaven, and the occasion there- 
of ; how he drew his legions after him to the parts of the north, 
and there incited them to rebel with him, persuading all but only 
Abdiel, a seraph, who in argument dissuades and opposes him, 
then forsakes him. 

Now Morn, her rosy steps in the eastern clime 
Advancing, sowed the earth with orient pearl, 
When Adam waked, so customed, for his sleep 
Was aery light, from pure digestion bred 
And temperate vapors bland, which the only sound 
Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan, 6 

Lightly dispersed, and the shrill matin song 

1. Morn. Aurora, the goddess 3. so customed, as was his ca8 

of the morning, announced the torn. 

coming of the sun, and opened 5. iv/iic/i, referring to sleep. — 

the gates of heaven with her rosy the oiibj sound, the sound alone, 

fingers. The stars fled before her 6. fumiv^, steaming with va- 

ae she scatt^jred the dew, orient por. — Aurora's fan, the morning 

V^Mi'l breeze, implied in somul 



1 34 PARADISE L OS T. [Book V . 

Of birds on every bough : so mucli the more 

His wonder was to find unwakened Eve 

With tresses discomposed and glowing cheek, 10 

As thi^ough unquiet rest : he, on his side 

Leaning half raised, with looks of cordial love 

Hung over her enamored, and beheld 

Beauty, which, whether waknig or asleep, 

Shot forth peculiar graces ; then, Avith voice Ifi 

Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes. 

Her hand soft touching, Avhispered thus : " Awake, 

My fairest, my espoused, my latest found. 

Heaven's last best gift, my ever new delight. 

Awake ! the morning shines, and the fresh field 2C 

Calls us ; we lose the prime, to mark how spring 

Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove. 

What drops the myrrh and what the balmy reed, 

How Nature paints her colors, how the bee 

Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet." 25 

Such whispering waked her, but with startled eye 
On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spake : 

" O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose, 
My glory, my perfection, glad I see 
Thy face, and morn returned ; for I this night 80 

, .^ (Such night till this I never passed) have dreamed, 
""< If dreamed, not, as I oft am wont, of thee, 

,, Works of day past, or morrow's next design, 
*-C But of offence and trouble, which my mind 
^^S Knew never till this irksome night- Methought 35 

V Close at mine ear one called me forth to walk 
i ^ With gentle voice ; I thought it thine : it said, 
^ \\'^hy sleep'st thou, Eve ? now is the pleasant time, 

16. Zephyru.t. See IV. 329. — 21. prime, earliest morning. 
Flora was the goddess of flowers 23. balmy, bearing balm oi 
ind f pring. balsam. 



Book V. j PARADISE L OS '1. 135 

The cool, the silent, save where silence yields 

To the night-warbling bird, that now awake 40 

Tunes sweetest his love-labored song ; now reigns 

Full orbed the moon and with more pleasing light 

Shadowy sets off the face of things ; in vain, 

If none regard : heaven wakes with all his eyes, 

Whom to behold but thee, Nature's desire ? 4c 

In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment 

Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze.' 

I rose as at thy call, but found thee not ; 

To find thee I directed then my Avalk ; 

And on, methought, alone I passed through ways 60 

That brought me on a sudden to the tree 

Of interdicted knowledge : foir it seemed, 

Much fliirer to my fancy than by day ; 

And, as I wondering looked, beside it stood 

One shaped and winged like one of those from Heaven 

By us oft seen : his dewy locks distilled 56 

Ambrosia ; on that tree he also gazed ; 

And, ' ftiir plant,' said he, ' with fruit surcharged, 

Deigns none to ease thy load and taste thy sweet, 

Nov God, nor man ? is knowledge so despised ? 60 

Or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste ? 

Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold 

I/onger thy offered good, Avhy else set here ? ' 

This said, he paused not, but with venturous arm 

He phicked, he tasted ; me damp horror chilled 65 

At suoh bold words vouched with a deed so bold ; 

But he thus, overjoyed : ' O fruit divine. 

Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropt, 

Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit 

For gods, yet able to make gods of men ; Vi 

•ind why not gods of men, since good, the more 

h2. interdicted, foxUMen. See m. vouched, siippoited ; fol- 
^encsis ii. 16, 17. lowed up. 

ei. Does either envy or some 
reserve forbid to taste ? 



136 PARADliit LUai. [Boos-V. 

Communicated, more abundant grows, 

TTie author not impaired, but honored more ? 

Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve, 

Partake thou also ; happy though thou art, 76 

Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be ; 

Taste this, and be henceforth among the gods, 

Thyself a goddess, not to earth confined, 

But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes 

Ascend to Heaven, by merit thine, and see 80 

What life the gods live there, and such live thou.* 

So Sctying, he drew nigh, and to me held, 

Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part 

Which he had plucked ; the pleasant savory smell 

So quickened appetite, that I, methought, 86 

Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds 

With him I flew, and underneath beheld 

The earth outstretched immense, a prospect wide 

And various ; wondering at my flight and change 

To this high exaltation, suddenly 90 

My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk down 

And fell asleep ; but O how glad I waked 

To find this but a dream ! " Thus Eve her night 

Related, and thus Adam answered sad : 

\ " Best Image of myself and dearer half, 36 

^ : The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep 
Aflects me equally ; nor can I like 
This uncouth dream, of evil sprung I fear ; 
Yet evil whence ? in thee can harbor none, 
J" Created pure. But know that in the soul ifyC 

^^. Are many lesser faculties that serve 
■ ' Reason as chief; among these Fancy next 
Her office holds ; of all external things, 
Which the five watchful senses represent, 

SO. by merit thine, which thou 81. sitch, such life, 
dfcservest. Sec II. 5. 98. xmcoulhy strangft 



Book V.] PARADISE LOST. 137 

She forms imaginations, aery sliapes, lOB 

Which Reason joining or disjoining frames 

All what we affirm or what deny, and call 

Our knowledge or opinion ; then retires 

Into her private cell when Nature rests. 

Oft in her absence mimic Fancy wakes HO 

To imitate her ; but, misjoining shapes, 

Wild Avork produces oft, and most in dreams, 

ni matching words and deeds long past or late. 

Some such resemblances methinks I find 

Of our last evening's talk in this thy dream, • 116 

But with addition strange ; yet be not sad : 

Evil into the mind of God or man 

May come and go, so unapproved, and leave 

No spot or blame behind ; which gives me hope 

That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream 120 

Waking thou never wilt consent to do. 

Be not disheartened then, nor cloud those looks 

That wont to be more cheerful and serene 

Than when foir morning first smiles on the world ; 

And let us to our fresh employments rise 125 

Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers 

That open now their choicest bosomed smells. 

Reserved from night, and kept for thee in store." 

So cheered he his fair spouse, and she was cheered ; 
But silently a gentle tear let fall 130 

From either eye, and wiped them with her hair ; 
Two other precious drops that ready stood, 
Each in their crystal sluice, he ere they fell 
Kissed as the gracious signs of sweet remorse 
And pious awe that feared to have olTended. 13{ 

So all was cleared, and to the field they haste. 

107. All what, all things what- 13-4. re-morse, compunction ; 
soever that. sorrow. 

118. so, 60 it be. 136. cleared, maJe clear ; ej 

plained. 



138 PARADISE LOST. [Book "V 

But first, from under shady arborous roof 
Soon as they forth were come to open sight 
Of day-spring and the sun (who scarce up-riseu, 
With wheels yet hovering o'er the ocean brim, 140 
Shot parallel to the earth his dewy ray, 
Discovering in wide landscape all the east 
Of Paradise and Eden's happy plains), 
fLowly they bowed adoring, and began 
Their orisons, each morning duly paid 146 

In various style ; for neither various style 
Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise 
Their INIaker, in fit strains pronounced or sung 
Unmeditated, such prompt eloquence 
Flowed from their lips, in prose or numerous verse, 
More tunable than needed lute or harp 151 

To add more sweetness -^ and they thus began : 

" These are thy glorious works. Parent of good, 
Almighty ! thine this universal frame, 
Thus wondrous fair ; thyself how wondrous then 1 155 
Unspeakable, who sitt'st above these heavens, 
To us invisible, or dimly seen 
J In these thy lowest works ; yet these declare 
^ Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine. 
^ Speak, ye who best can tell, ye sons of light, 160 

Angels ; for ye behold him, and with songs 
And choral symphonies, day without night, 
Circle his throne rejoicing ; ye in Pleaven. 
On earth join all ye creatures, to extol 
Him first, him last, him midst, and without end. x6S 
Fairest of stars, last in the train of night, 

137. nrborous roof. See IV. 147. wanted they, were thej 

t90-697. wauting in, or unprovided with. 

140. wheels. Phoebus, the Sun, US. pronounced, s\:)okcQ. 

was repres<mted by tlie ancients 150. »iMwe?ow5, flowiiiginnum- 

as rising from the orean brim and bers or numbered syllables. 

driviug''his chariot over the vault 156. Unspeakable, not to be de 

of heaven scribed by words. 

112 Discovering, making \Ui- 1G3. circle, survound. 
ble ; opening to the view. 



Boob V.] PARADISE LOST. 13 9 

If better thou belong not to the da^vn, 
Sure pledge of day, that crown'st the smiling mom 
With thy bright circlet, praise him in thy sphere 
While day arises, that sweet hour of prime. 170 

Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul, 
Acknowledge him thy greater ; sound Iiis praise 
In thy eternal course, both when thou climb'st, 
And when high noon hast gained, and when thou 

fall'st. 
Moon, that now meet'st the orient sun, now fly'st, 175 
With the fixed stars, fixed in their orb that flies ; 
And ye five other w^andering fires, that move 
In mystic dance not without song, resound 
His praise, who out of darkness called up light. 
Air and ye elements, the eldest birth 180 

Of Nature's womb, that in quaternion run 
Perpetual circle, multiform, and mix 
And nourish all things, let your ceaseless change 
Vary to our great Maker still new praise. 
Ye mists and exhalations, that now rise 1S6 

From hill or steaming lake, dusky or gray, 

167. better, rather. 177. Jive other wnnrterins: fiies. 

170. primp. See line 21. The The planets are .''o called from a 

Prime is the early morning ser- Greek word meaning to wander, 

vice in the Koniau church. because they change their places 

llo. noivmeel'St the orient sun, with regard to the fixed stars, 
now fly'st. At new moon, the among which they .«ceui to wan- 
moon rises with or 7neets the der. In Milton's time, only five 
Bun ; from new to full, she may of these, besides the Earth, were 
be said tofli/ from the sun ; from known. They were Mercury, 
full, when she is opposite to the Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Sat- 
Bun, to new, she seems to ap- urn. 
proach him. 178. not without song. It was 

176. With, together with ; as supposed by some of the ancients, 

well as, referring to resound. — th\t 'he harmonious moTem<^nta 

J^xeti in their orb that flies. It of the heavenly bodies pioduced 

was the notion of the ancient sweet sounds, which they called 

astronomers that the stars were the Mu.sic of the Spheres, 

fixed in a crystal sphere, the mo- IHI. that in qv<ile> nion, th&t. 

tion of which brought these bod- four in number, run a />erpetjia} 

les into different situations with c/rc/c, one element mingling with, 

regard to the Earth, which was or, as it were, changing iaU\ an- 

supposed to be the centre of this o iier. 
and the other spheres. 



140 PARADISE LOST. [Book V 

Till tlie sun paint yonr (leecy skirts with gold, 

In honor to the Avorld's great Author rise, 

Whether to deck with clouds the uncolored sky 

Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers, 19C 

Rising or falling, still advance his praise. 

His praise, ye winds, that from four quarters blow, 

Breathe soft or loud ; and wave your tops, ye pines, 

With every plant, in sign of worship wave. 

Fountains, and ye that warble, as ye flow, 195 

Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise. 

Join voices, all ye living souls ; ye birds, 

That singing up to Heaven-gate ascend. 

Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise. 

Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk 200 

The earth and stately tread or lowly creep, 

Witness if I be silent, morn or even, 

To hill or valley, fountain or fresh shade, 

Made vocal by my song and taught his praise. 

Hail, universal Lord, be bounteous still 205 

To give us only good ; and, if the night 

Have gathered aught of evil, or concealed, 

Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark ! " 

So prayed they innocent, and to their thoughts 
Firm peace recovered soon and wonted calm. 210 

On to their morning's rural work they haste 
Among sweet dews and flowers, where any row 
Of fi'uit trees over-woody reached too far 
Their pampered boughs, and needed hands to check 
Fruitless embraces : or they led the vine 215 

To wed her elm ; she spoused about him tAvines 
Her marriageable arms, and with her brings 
Her dower, the adopted clusters, to adorn 
His barren leaves. Them thus employed beheld 

189. wjircZored, without variety 207. Have gathered or conceale>^i 
of color. a ug/u of e ml. 



Book V.] PARADISE LOST. 141 

With ]>ity Heaven's higli king, and to him called 23C 

Raphael, the sociable spirit, that deigned 

To travel with Tobias, and secured 

His marriage with the seven-times wedded maid. 

" Raphael," said he, " thou hear'st what stir on 
Earth 
Satan, from Hell scaped through the darksome gulf, 
Hath raised in Paradise, and how disturbed 22(i 

Tliis night the human pair, how he designs 
In them at once to ruin all mankind. 
^^ Go therefore, half this day as friend with friend 
X '' ^Converse with Adam, in what bower or shade 230 
Thou find'st him, from the heat of noon retired 
^ .To respite his day-labor with repast 
^k Or with repose; and such discourse bring on 
NsJ As may advise him of his happy state, 

Happiness in his power left free to will, 235 

-J. Left to his own free will, his will though free 
^^:.Yet mutable; whence warn him to beware 
;^He swerve not, too secure : tell him withal 
^ His danger, and from whom ; what enemy, 

Late fallen himself from Heaven, is plotting now 240 
> The fall of others from like state of bliss ; 
"* By violence? no, for that shall be witlistood ; 
' But by deceit and lies : this let him know, 
Lest wilfully transgressing he pretend 
Surprlsal, unadmonished, unforewarned." 245 

So spake the eternal Father, and fulfilled 
All justice : nor delayed the winged saint 

221-223. In the book of Tobit 226. disturbed, hath disturbed 

the angel Raphael is described as 2.30. ivhat, whateyer. 

the companion of Tobias, travel- 2-34. sdvise, inform, 

ling with him into Media and in- 2SS. secitre. See II. 399. 

structing him how to drive away 2i5. surprisal, to have been 

the evil spirit, that he might taken by surprise, 
marry the seven-times weddid 
maid. See IV. 168-171. 



142 PARADISE LOST. [Book 7 

After his charge received ; but from among 
Thousand celestial Ardors, where he stood 
Veiled with his gorgeous wings, up springing light, 25(1 
Flew through tlie midst of Heaven ; the angelic 

quires, 
On each hand parting, to his speed gave way- 
Through all the empyreal road ; till at the gate 
Of Heaven arrived, the gate self-opened wide. 
On. golden hinges turning, as by work 265 

Divine the sovran architect had framed. 
From hence (no cloud, or, to obstruct his sight, 
Star Interposed, however small) he sees, 
Not nnconforni to other shining globes, 
Earth, and the garden of God, with cedars crowned 
Above all hills : as when by night the glass 261 

Of Galileo, less assured, observes 
Imagined lands and regions in the moon ; 
Or pilot from amidst the Cyclades 
Delos or Samos first appearing kens, 265 

A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight 
He speeds, and through the vast ethereal sky 
Sails between worhls and worlds, with steady wing, 
Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan 
Winnows the buxom air ; till, within soar 270 

Of towering eagles, to all the fowls he seems 
A phoenix, gazed by all, as that sole bird, 

249. Ardors, briglit spirits ; of islands in the ^gean Sea or 
seraphim. Archipelago, east of Greece. They 

250. Veiled with his gorgeous lie around Delos, the most im- 
ivings. " Above it stood the portant of them. Santos is far- 
seraphims : each one had six ther to the east than the Cy- 
wings ; with twain he covered his clades, on the coast of Asia Mi- 
face, and with twain he covered nor. 

his feet, and with twain he did 265. kens, sees at a distance ; 

By." Isaiah vi. 2. descries. 

251. quires. See IV. 711. 270. Wi7inmvs, beats. — buxom, 
259. unconform, unHkeinform. See II. 842. — toithin soar, having 

261. the glass of Galileo. See descended to the region to which 
\. 287-291. tdic^rius eagles soar. 

262. assured, certain. 272-274. The plianix was, aC' 
264. the Cyclade!^ are a group cording to the ancient story, a 



Book v.] PARADISE J, OST. H3 

Wlicn to enshrine his reliqiics in the Sun's 
Bi-ight temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies. 
At once on the eastern clifT' of Paradise .375 

. He lights, and to his proper shape returns, 
'sc.-- A seraph winged : six wings he wore to shade 
^^v His lineaments divine ; the pair that clad 

/ Each shoulder broad came mantling o'er his breast 
■■- ;^K With regal ornament ; the middle pair ^0 

>J^ Girt like a starry zone his waist, and round 

-^Skirted his loins and thighs with downy gold 
.*t And colors dipped in heaven; the third his feet 
C Shadowed from either heel with feathered mail, 
. - ^ Sky-tinctured grain. Like Maia's son he stood, 2["5 
<. And shook his plumes, tliat heavenly fragrance filled 
•.^ The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands 
^- Of angels under watch, and to his state 
\ And to his message high in honor rise, 289 

fror on some message high they guessed him bound. 
^ ^ ■ Their glittering tents he passed, and now is come 
Into the blissful field, through groves of myrrh. 
And flowering odors, cassia, nard, and balm, 
A wilderness of sweets : for Nature here 
Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will 295 

Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, 
Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss. 
Him, through the spicy forest onward come, 
Adam discerned, as in the door he sat 

bird that, after haying lived five 278. lineaments, form aa de- 
hundred years, built for itself a scribed or marked by lines, 
ftineral pile of cinnamon, spike- 281. zone, girdle, 
nard, and myrrh. As it drew 284. with feathered mail, cov- 
Ita last breath, a voung Phoenix ered with feathers overlapping 
sprang from its ashes, to live an- sach other like plates of armor, 
other five hundred vears, and 2%. Sky-tincturef/ strain, t'mged 
then die in like manner. Thus with the grain or color of the sky. 
It wiis that sole birr/. The young —Blaia's son, Mercury, the me«- 
bird carried the nest which con- senger of the gods, whose feet 
tained the ashes of its parent. Iiis were winged. See ITT. G03. 
elifjues. to Egypt, there to en- 289. in, in sign of. 
ihri7ie it in the Temple of the Sun. 297. enormous, beyoul or wltb 
277-285. See lino 250 out measure. 



'44 PARADISE LOST. [Book V. 

Of his cool bower, while now the mounted sun 900 

Shot clown direct his fervid rays to warm 

Earth's inmost womb, more warmth than Adam 

needs ; 
And Eve within due at her hour prepared 
For dinner savory fruits, of taste to please 
True appetite, and not disrelish thirst 305 

Of nectarous draughts between, from milky stream, 
Beny or grape ; to whom thus Adam called : 

" Haste hither. Eve, and, Avorth thy sight, behold 
Eastward among those trees Mdiat glorious shape 
Comes this Avay moving, seems another morn 310 

Risen on mid-noon ; some great behest from Heaven 
To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe 
This day to be our guest. But go Avith speed, 
And what thy stores contain bring forth, and pour 
Abundance, fit to honor and receive 315 

Our heavenly stranger : well we may afford 
Our givers their own gifts, and large bestow 
From large bestoAved, Avhere Nature multiplies 
Her fertile growth, and by disburdening grows 
More fruitful, Avhich instructs us not to spare." 320 

To Avhom thus Eve : " Adam, earth's hallowed 
mould, 
Of God inspired ! small store will serve Avhere store 
All seasons ripe for use hangs on the stalk ; 
Save Avhat by frugal storing firmness gains 
To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes. 825 

But I Avill haste, and from each bough and brake, 
Each plant and juiciest gourd, Avill pluck such choice 
To entertain our angel guest, as he 
Beholding shall confess, that here on Earth 
Grod hatli dispensed his bounties as in Heaven.** san 

303. due, punctual. 321. See Genesis ii. 7. 

310. seems^ that seems. 328. as, that. 

811. behest, command. 



Book V.J FAkADISE LOST. 145 

So sapng, witli despatcliful looks in hasto 
She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent 
What choice to choose for dehcacy best, 
Wliat order so contrived as not to mix 
Tastes, not well joined, inelegant, but bring Q38 

Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change ; 
Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk 
^Yhatever Earth, all bearing mother, yields 
In India East or "West, or middle shore, 
In Pontus or the Punic coast, or where 34C 

Alcinoiis reigned, fruit of all kinds, in coat 
Rough or smooth rined, or bearded husk, or shell. 
She gathers, tribute large, and on the board 
Heaps with unsparing hand : for drink the grape 
She crushes, inoffensive must, and meathes &15 

From many a berry, and from sweet kernels pressed 
She tempers dulcet creams^ ; nor these to hold 
Wants her fit vessels pure : then strews the ground 
With rose and odors from the shrub uufumed. 

Meanwhile our primitive great sire, to meet 350 
His godlike guest, walks forth, without more train 
Accompanied than with his own complete 
Perfections ; in himself was all his state, 

333. What choice, her thought the scanning of this line, see note 

\f3LS, tvhat choice. on III. 36. Here the second foot 

335. 7iot well joined, inelegant, consists of three syllables. 

if not well joined or mixed after 34:2. Rgugh or smooth rined or 

careful selection, then not pleas- rinded, having a rough or smooth 

ing. rind. 

339. middle shore, what lies he- 345. must, new wine pressed 

tween. from the grape, but not fer- 

3i0. Pontus was in the north- mented ; therefore inoffensive, 

em part of Asia Minor. — the without intoxicating qualities.— 

Punic coast was the coast of menlhes^ meads. 

Carthage, in the north of Africa. 347. tempers, suitably prepares. 

341. where Alcinous reigned. 348. Wants her, has she any 

AJcinous was the ruler of the lack of. 

Phaeacians, who entertained 349. nnfumed, giving forth its 

Ulysses in his island of Schcria, fragrance without being burned 

on the west of Greece, as related like incense. 
by Homer in the Odyssey. For 
10 



l40 rAitADJSE LOST. [Book V. 

More solemn than tlie tedious pomp that waits 

On princes, when their rich retinue long S8S 

Of horses led and grooms besmeared with gold 

Dazzles the crowd, and sets them all agape. 

Nearer his presence Adam, though not awed, 

Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek. 

As to a superior nature, bowing low, 80C 

Thus said : " Native of Heaven ! for other place 

None can than Heaven such glorious shape contain, 

Since, by descending from the thrones above. 

Those happy places thou hast deigned awhile 

To want and honor these, vouchsafe with us 365 

Two only, who yet by sovran gift possess 

This spacious ground, in yonder shady bower 

To rest, and what the garden choicest bears 

To sit and taste, till this meridian heat 

Be over, and the sun more cool decline." 37u 

Whom thus the angelic Virtue answered mild : 
'■ Adam, I therefore came ; nor art thou such 
Created, or such place hast here to dwell, 
As may not oft invite, though spirits of Heaven, 
To visit thee : lead on then where thy bower d7fi 

O'ershades ; for these midliours, till evening riSe, 
I have at will." So to the sylvan lodge 
They came, that like Pomona's arbor smiled 
With flowerets decked and fragrant smells ; but Eve 
Undecked save with herself, more lovely fair 380 

Than wood-nymph or the fairest goddess feigned 
Of three that in Mount Ida naked strove, 

358. Nearer, when nearer to. 382. three. Juno, Minerva, and 

359. submiss, submissive. Venus each claimed the prize of 
.365. To want, to be without; beauty. Jupiter sent them to 

to leave. M'liint Ida, where Paris, son of 

371. Virtue. See II. 311. Priam king of Troy, was tending 

374. though spirits, even spir- his flocks. He adjudged the prize 

its. to Venus, the fairest goiJdess 

378. Pomona presided over feigned. Ilis decision was called 

fruit and its culture. the Judgment of Paris. 



Book V.] PARADISE LOST. 147 

Stood 1.0 entertain her guest from Heaven : no veil 

She needed, virtue-proof; no thought infirm 

Altered her check. On whom the angel Hail ' 385 

Bestowed, the holy salutation used 

Long after to blest Mary, second Eve : 

« Hail, mother of mankind, whose fruitful womL 

Shall fill the world more numerous with thy sons. 

Than with these various fruits the trees of God 390 

Have heaped this table ! " Raised of grassy turf 

Their table was, and mossy seats had round, 

And on her ample square from side to side 

All autumn piled, though spring and autumn here 

Danced hand in hand. Awhile discourse they hold 

(No fear lest dinner cool), when thus began 396 

Our author : " Heavenly stranger, please to taste 

These bounties, which our nourisher, from whom 

All perfect good unmeasured out descends 

To us for food and for delight, hath caused 400 

The earth to yield ; unsavory food perhaps 

To spiritual natures ; only this I know, 

That one celestial Father gives to all." 

To whom the angel : " Therefore what he gives 
(Whose praise be ever sung ! ) to man in part 405 
Spiritual, may of purest spirits be found 
No ingrateful food : and food alike those pure 
Intelllgential substances require, 
As doth your rational ; and both contain 
Within them every lower faculty 410 

Of sejise, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste ; 

384. virtue-proof, strong or safe 394. piled, had all autumn, the 

in virtue. friiits of autumn, piled. 

386. the holy salutnaon. "And 397. Our author, him from 

the ang:el came in unto her, and whom we derive our origin ; oui 

said, lliiil, thou that art highly first ancestor, 

favored." Luke i. 28. 406. of, by. 

892. round is an adverb. 407. ingrateful, unpleasing. 

893. ker^ its. 409. rational, rational Bub- 

stance. 



1 48 PARADISE L Uis T. [Book V . 

Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate, 

And corporeal to incorporeal turn. 

For know, whatever was created needs 

To be sustained and fed ; of elements 414 

The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea, 

Earth and the sea feed air, the air those fires 

Ethereal, and as lowest first the moon ; 

Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurgcd 

Vapors not yet into her substance turned, 420 

Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale 

From her moist continent to higher orbs. 

The sun, tliat light imparts to all, receives 

From all his alimental recompense 

In humid exhalations, and at even 425 

Sups with the ocean. Though in Heaven the trees 

Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines 

Yield nectar ; though from off the boughs each morn 

We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground 

Covered with pearly grain: yet God hath here 430 

Varied his bounty so with new delights. 

As may compare with Heaven ; and to taste 

Think not I shall be nice." So down they sat, 

And to their viands fell ; nor seemingly 

The angel, nor in mist, the common gloss 435 

Of theologians, but with keen despatch 

Of real hunger, and concoctive heat 

To transubstantiate ; what redounds transpires 

Through spirits with ease ; nor wonder, if by fire 

419. vnpurged, which are un- 434. seemmg-/;/, only in appear • 

purged, or not yet cleared. The ance. 

word, if this punctuation is cor- 437. concoctive, having diges- 

rect, agrees with vapors. tive power. 

422. See Hue 548. 438. transubstantiate, change 

426. Sups ivitli the ocean, be- into his substance. ; — whij,t re- 

cause he seems to descend into it. dounds, what is redundant or 

430./'^a?-/?/g-mm. manna, called superfluous. — transpires, is ex- 

in Psalm Ixxviii. ''angels' food." haled, as if through pores. 

See Exodus xvi. 14. 439. nor wonder, nor is it • 

433. nice, over-nice : fastidious, wonder. 



Book V.] PARADISE LOST. 1 49 

Of sooty coal the empiric alchemist 440 

Can turn, or holds it possible to turn, 

Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold 

As from the mine. Meanwhile at table Eve 

Ministered naked, and their flowing cups 

With pleasant liquors crowned. O innocence 446 

Deserving Paradise ! if ever, then, 

Then had the sons of God excuse to have been 

Enamored at that sight ; but in those hearts 

Love unlibidinous reigned, nor jealousy 

Was understood, the injured lover's hell. 450 

Thus when with meats and drink they had suffi(;ed, 
Not burdened nature, sudden mind arose 
In Adam not to let the occasion pass, 
Given him by this great conference, to know 
Of things above his world, and of their being 455 

Who dwell in Heaven, whose excellence he saw 
Transcend his own so far, whose radiant forms 
Divine effulgence, whose high power so far 
Exceeded human, and his wary speech 
Thus to the empyreal minister he framed : 160 

" Inhabitant with God, now know I well 
Thy favor, in this honor done to man, 
Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsafed 
To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste, 
Food not of angels, yet accepted so, iS5 

As that more willingly thou couldst not seem 
At Heaven's high feasts to have fed : yet what com- 
pare ? " 

440. empiric, derotcd ti, experi- 458. If forms be considered 
ments. The chemists of foniior as one of the su'.yects of ear- 
times, sought to change other ce^li-d, effidgence is iu apposi- 
metafs into gold. tion with it. 
\b^. occasion. See T. 178. mi. yet what compare, yei ho^ 
154. this: great conference., this can the.^e i-arthbj /mils be com 
opportunity of conferring with pared to the food of angels 
so great a being on matters so 
high. 



160 FARAD18E 1.0HT. [Book V 

To whom the wiuged Hlerarch replied : 
■* O Adam, one ahnighty is, from whom 
All things proceed, and up to him return, 470 

If not depraved fi-om good, created all 
Such to perfection, one first matter all, 
Endued with various forms, various degrees 
Of substance, and, in things that live, of life ; 
But more refined, more splritoua, and pure, 475 

As nearer to him placed or nearer tending. 
Each in their several active spheres assigned, 
Till body up to spirit work, in bounds 
Proportioned to each kind. So from the root 
Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the 
leaves 480 

More aery, last the bright consummate flower 
Spirits odorous breathes : flowers and their fruit, 
Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublimed. 
To vital spirits aspire, to animal, 
To intellectual ; give both life and sense, 485 

Fancy and understanding ; whence the soul 
Reason receives, and reason is her being. 
Discursive or intuitive ; discourse 
Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours. 
Differing but in degree, of kind the same. 490 

Wonder not, then, what God for you saw good 
If I refuse not, but convert, as you, 
To proper substance : time may come, when men 
With angels may participate, and find 
No inconvenient diet, nor too light fare ; 495 

468. if/f rare/! , chief of a sacred 483. suhlhned, exalted; im« 

order; here, chief seraph. proved. 

472. 5i<c/i, good. — to perfection. 488. Discursive or tntwitive, 

that they might go on to perfec- whether reached as by mortals 

tion. — mi e first matter^ of the through the medium of ry/.svoi«r5« 

lame original substance. or process of reasoning, or at once 

475 spiritous, lilce spirit. apprehended by the mind as hy 

481. consummate^! perfected. superior beings. 

482. by gradual scale, from one 495. inconvenient, unsuitatle 
itep to another. 



uookV.j paradise lost. 151 

And from these corporal nutriments perhaps 

Tour bodies may at last turn all to spirit, 

Improved by tract of time, and winged ascend 

Ethereal, as we, or may at choice 

Here or in heavenly Paradises dwell ; SOQ 

If ye be found obedient, and retain 

Unalterably firm his love entire, 

Whose progeny you are. MeanAvhile enjoy 

Your fill what happiness this happy state 

Can comprehend, incapable of more." 506 

To whom the patriarch of mankind replied : 
" O favorable Spirit, propitious guest. 
Well hast thou taught the way that might direct 
Our knowledge, and the scale of nature set 
From centre to circumference ; whereon, 510 

In contemplation of created things. 
By steps we may ascend to God. But say. 
What meant that caution joined, ' If ye be found 
Obedient ' ? can we want obedience then 
To him, or possibly his love desert, 516 

W^ho formed us from the dust, and placed us here, 
Full to the utmost measure of what bliss 
Human desires can seek or apprehend ? " 

To whom the angel : " Son of Heaven and Earth, 
Attend ! That thou art happy, owe to God ; 520 

That thou continu'st such, owe to thyself. 
That Is, to thy obedience ; therein stand. 
This was that caution given thee ; be advised. 
God made thee perfect, not immutable ; 
And good he made thee, but to persevere 525 

He left it in thy power, ordained thy will 

498. fmc/, extent; continued b^\. what hnvpiness, of aMi\M 
duration. happiness wliicli. 

514. leant, be wanting in. 



152 PARADISE LOST. [Boor V. 

By nature free, not overruled by fate 

Inextricable, or strict necessity : 

Our voluntary service lie requires, 

Not our necessitated ; such with him 63(1 

Finds no acceptance, nor can find ; for how 

Can hearts not free be tried whether they serve 

WilHng or no, who will but what they must 

By destiny, and can no other choose ? 

Myself and all the angelic host that stand 536 

In sight of God enthroned our happy state 

Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds ; 

On other surety none ; freely we serve. 

Because we freely love, as in our Avill 

To love or not ; in this we stand or fall : 540 

And some are fallen, to disobedience fallen, 

And so from Heaven to deepest Hell ; O fall 

From what high state of bliss into what woe ! " 

To whom our great progenitor : " Thy words 
Attentive, and with more delighted ear, 546 

Divine instructor, I have heard, than when 
Cherubic songs by night from neighboring hills 
Aerial music send : nor knew I not 
To be both will and deed created free ; 
Yet that we never shall forget to love 550 

Our Maker, and obey him Avhose command 
Single is yet so just, my constant thoughts 
Assured me, and still assure : though what thou 

tell'st 
Hath passed in Heaven, some doubt within me move, 
But more desire to hear, if thou consent, 555 

The full relation, which must needs be strange, 
Worthy of sacred silence to be heard ; 

539. as in our will, it being \n 548. nor knew I not, and 

our will. kue\7. 

547. Cherubic song.-;. See IV. 549. To be, myself U be ; thai 

630-638. I was. 



Book V.] PARADISE LOST. 153 

And we liavo yet large day, for scarce the sun 
Hatb finished half his journey, and scarce begins 
His other half in the great zone of heaven/"' 560 

Thus Adam made request ; and "Raphael, 
After short pause assenting, thus began : 

" High matter thou enjoin'st me, prime of men, 
Sad task and hard ; for how shall I relate 
To human sense the invisible exploits 566 

Of warring spirits ? how, without remorse, 
The ruin of so many glorious once, 
And perfect while they stood ? how, last, unfo.'d 
The secrets of another world, perhaps 
Not lawful to reveal ? yet for thy good 570 

This Is dispensed ; and what surmounts the reach 
Of human seupo, I shall delineate so. 
By likening spiritual to, eoi'.pai:cdjorms, 
As may express them best; though what if Earth 
Be but the shadow of Heaven, and things therein 575 
Each to otlier like, more than on Earth is thought ? 
As yet this world was not, and Chaos wild 
Reigned where these heavens now roll, where Earth 

now rests 
Upon her centre poised ; when, on a day 
(For time, though in eternity, applied 580 

To motion, measures all things durable 
By present, past, and future), on such day 
As Heaven's great year brings forth, the empyreal 

host 
Of angels, by imperial summons called, 
Innumerable before the Almighty's throne 585 

Forthwith from all the ends of Heaven appeared. 
Under their hierarchs in orders bright : 

b&7. remone. See line 134. 587 hierarchs See Une 468. 

571. dispensed, permitted 



l04 PARADISE LOST. [Book V 

Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced, 

Standards and gonfalons, 'twixt van and rear 

Stream in the air, and for distinction serve 590 

Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees ; 

Or in their ghttering tissues bear emblazed 

Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love 

Recorded eminent. Thus, when in orbs 

Of circuit inexpressible they stood, 596 

Orb within orb, the Father infinite, 

By whom in bliss imbosomed sat the Son, 

Amidst as from a flaming mount, whose top 

Brightness had made invisible, thus spake : 

" ' Hear, all }'e Angels, progeny of light, 600 

Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers, 
Hear my decree, which unrevoked shall stand. 
This day I have begot whom I declare * 

My only Son, and on this holy hill 
Him have anointed, whom ye noAV behold 605 

At my right hand ; your head I him appoint ; 
And by myself have sworn, to him shall bow 
All knees in Heaven, and shall confess him Lord. 
Under his great vicegerent reign abide 
United as one individual soul, 610 

Forever happy. Him who disobeys. 
Me disobeys, breaks union, and that day. 
Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls 



589. gonfalons^ war -flags; by myself." Genesis xxii. 16. — 

banners. shall boiv. See Philippians ii. 

592. emblazeil, emblazoned. 9-11. 

595. inexpressible^ not capable G09. vlces;erent. This word is 

of being described ; t»o large to here an adjective. 

be expressed. 610. hvlivirhial. See IV. 486. 

598. Amidst, in or from the 611, 612. Him who disobeys, 

rnidst or centre of the orbs. me disobeys. " He that honoreth 

603. This day. " The Lord not the Son, honoreth not the 

hath said unto me, Thou art Father which hath sent him.' 

Day son ; this day have I begotten John v. 23. — breaks uninn, breaks 

thee." Psalm ii. 7. the union just described. 

607. by myself " I have sworn 



Book v.] PARADISE LOST. 155 

Into utter darkness, deep ingulfed, bis place 
Ordained, without redemption, without end.' 615 

" So spake the Omnipotent, and with his words 
All seemed well pleased ; all seemed, but were not all 
That day, as otber solemn days, they spent 
In song and dance about the sacred hill ; 
Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere 63M 

Of planets and of fixed in all her wheels 
Resembles nearest, mazes intricate, 
Eccentric, intervolved, yet regular 
Then most, when most irregular they seem ; 
And in their motions harmony divine 626 

So smooths her charming tones, that God's OAvn ear 
Listens delighted. Evening now approached 
(For we have also our evening and our morn, 
We ours for change delectable, not need) ; 
Forthw^ith from dance to sweet repast they turn 630 
Desirous ; all in circles as they stood, 
Tables are set, and on a sudden piled 
With angels' food, and rubied nectar flows 
[n pearl, in diamond, and massy gold, 
Fruit of delicious vines, the growth of Heaven. 635 
On flowers reposed and with fresh flowerets crowned, 
They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet 
Quaff immortality and joy, secure 
Of surfeit where full measure only bounds 
Excess, before the all-bounteous King, avIio showered 
With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy. 641 

Now when ambrosial night, with clouds exhaled 
From that high mount of God whence light aud 
shade 

621. j^xff/, fixed stars. — her, 639 only^ alone, 
its. — 7t'/i/'i?/.>!, revolutions- 640. showered^ Blioweied his 

633. rubied, ruby -red. gifts. 

638. secure of^ safe from ; -with- 
out danger of. 



\ 



156 PARADISE LOST, [Book V. 

Spring both, the face of brightest heaven had changed 
To grateful twilight (for night comes not there 645 
In darker veil), and roseate dews disposed 

' All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest; 

' Wide over all the plain, and wider far 

Than all this globous earth in plain outspread 
(Such are the courts of God) the angelic throng, 650 
,X.. Dispersed in bands and files, their camp extend 

■" By living streams among the trees of life, 
Pavilions numberless and sudden reared, 
Celestial tabernacles, where they slept 
Fanned with cool winds, save those who in their course 
Melodious hymns about the sovran throne 656 

Alternate all night long : but not so waked 
Satan (so call him now, his former name 
Is heard no more in Heaven) ; he of the first. 
If not the first archangel, great in power, 660 

In favor and preeminence, yet fraught 
With envy against the Son of God, that day 
Honored by his great Father, and proclaimed 
Messiah, king anointed, could not bear 664 

Through pride that sight, and thought himself im- 
paired. 
Deep malice thence conceiving and disdain. 
Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour 
Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolved 
With all his legions to dislodge, and leave 
Unworshipped, unobeyed the throne supreme, 670 

Contemptuous, and his next subordinate 
Awakening, thus to him in secret spake : 

652. livhig streams. See Reve- 664. ilfl?5.^?■a/^ is a Hebrew word, 

ation vii. 17. meaning Anointed. The Greffe 

655. in their course. This prob- word Christ has the same signi 

ably refers to the service of the fication. 

Temple, performed by the Priests 6lii). elisl.0'/s;e, remove ; depar* 

and Levites in thoir courses. See 671. his next subordinate Se« 

1 Chronicles xxiii., xx.iv. and I 79-Sl. 
Luke i. 8, 9. 



Book V.] PARADISE LOST. 157 

" ' Sleep'st thou, companion dear ? what sleep can 

close 
Thy eyelids ? and remember'st what decree 
Of yesterday so late hath passed the lips eVfi 

Of Heaven's Almighty ? Thou to me thy thought's 
Wast wont, I mine to thee was wont to impart ; 
Both waking we were one ; how then can now 
Thy sleep dissent ? New laws thou seest imposed ; 
New laws from him who reigns new minds may 

raise 6S0 

In us who serve, new counsels, to debate 
What doubtful may ensue : more in this place 
To utter is not safe. Assemble thou 
Of all those myriads which we lead the chief; 
Tell them that by command, ere yet dim night 686 
Her shadowy cloud withdraAvs, I am to haste, 
And all who under me their banners wave, 
Homeward witli flying march where we possess 
The quarters of the North ; there to prepare 
Fit entertainment to receive our King, 690 

The great Messiah, and his new commands. 
Who speedily through all the hierarchies 
Intends to pass triumphant and give laws.' 

" So spake the false Archangel, and infused 
Bad influence into the unwary breast 696 

Of his associate : he together calls, 
Or several one by one, the regent powers, 
Under him regent ; tells, as he was taught. 
That, the Most High commanding, now ere night, 
Now ere dim night had disencumbered Heaven, 700 
The great hierarchal standard was to move ; 

679. dissevt^ show difference of 698. him^ their leader, Satan, 
feeling, or want of sympathy. 699. See I'ne 685. 

689. the North. See Isaiah xiv. 700. had, should have — dis- 

13,14. encumbtred Heaven, left lleaven 

697. several, severally. clear. 



158 PARADISE LOST. [Book V 

Tells the suggested cause, and casts between 
Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound 
Or taint integrity. But all obeyed 
The wonted signal, and superior voice 701 

Of their great potentate ; for great indeed 
His name, and high was his degree in Heaven ; 
His countenance, as the morning star that guides 
The starry flock, allured them, and with lies 
Drew after him the third part of Heaven's host. 710 
Meanwhile the eternal eye, whose sight discerns 
Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy mount, 
And from within the golden lamps that burn 
Nightly before him, saw without their light 
Rebellion rising ; saw in whom, how spread 716 

Among the sons of morn, what multitudes 
Were banded to oppose his high decree : 
And smiling to his only Son thus said : 

" ' Son, thou in whom my glory I behold 
In full resplendence, Heir of all my might, 721 

Nearly it now concerns us to be sure 
Of our omnipotence, and with what arms 
We mean to hold what anciently we claim 
Of deity or empire ; such a foe 

Is rising who intends to erect his throne 721 

Equal to ours, throughout the spacious North ; 
Nor so content, hath in his thought to try 
In battle what our power is, or our right. 
Let us advise, and to this hazard draw 
With speed what force is left, and all employ 780 

In our defence, lest unawares we lose 
This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill.* 

708. «/ie morning - star. "0 713. Zaw?;?.^. See Revelation ir. 6. 

Lucifer, son of the morning." 727. so, with that, 

tsaiah xiv. 12. 729. ar/f/.<e, consult ; deliber 

1\^. the third part. See Reve- ate. — /tazam" . perilous enter 

lation xii. .3, 4. prise. 

712 Abs'.rusest^ most hidden. 



Book V. ] PA RA DTSE LOST. ] o9 

" To whom the Son, witli cahn aspect and clear, 
Lightning divine, ineffable, serene, 
Made answer : ' INIighty Father, thou th}' foes 735 

Justly hast in derision, and secure 
Laugh'st at their vain designs and tumults vain, 
Matter to me of glory, whom their hate 
Illustrates, when they see all regal power 
Given me to quell their pride, and in event 740 

Know whether I be dextrous to subdue 
Thy rebels, or be found the worst in Heaven.' 

" So spake the Son ; but Satan with his powers 
Far was advanced on winged speed, an host 
Innumerable as the stars of night, 74^ 

Or stars of morning, dew-drops which the f3un 
Impearls on every leaf and every flower. 
Regions they passed, the mighty regencies 
Of Seraphim and Potentates and Thrones 
In their triple degrees ; regions to which 760 

All thy dominion, Adam, is no more 
Than what this garden is to all the earth 
And all the sea, from one entire globose 
Stretched into longitude : Avhich having passed, 
At length into the limits of the North 76B 

They came ; and Satan to his royal seat 
High on a hill far blazing, as a mount 
Raised on a mount, with p}Tamids and towers 
From diamond quarries heAvn and rocks of gold, 
The palace of great Lucifer (so caU 760 

734. Lightning, shining with 753. from one entire globost 

tight, if the word is a participle. stretched into longitude, drawn 

73<. Laugh'' St. '' The Lord out from a globular shape into 

Bhall laugh at him ; for he seeth length. 

that his day is coming." Psalm 7of5-766. " For thou hast said 

xxxvii. 13. in thy heart, I will ascend into 

739. Illustrates, honors ; makes Heaven, I will exalt my throne 
Illustrious. above the stars of God ; I will sit 

740. in event, by the result. also upon the mount of the con- 
747. Impearls, turns into gregation in the sides of the 

Vearls. North." Isaiah xiv. 13. 



160 PARADISE LOST. fBooK V, 

That structure in the dialect of men 

Interpreted), which not long after he, 

Affecting all equality with God, 

In imitation of that mount whereon 

Messiah was declared in sight of Heaven, 781 

The IMountain of the Congregation called ; 

For thither he assembled all his train. 

Pretending so commanded to consult 

About the great reception of their king 

Thither to come, and Avith calumnious art 770 

Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears : 

" ' Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, 
Powers, 
If these magnific titles yet remain 
Not merely titular, since by decree 
Another now hath to himself engrossed 775 

Ail poAver and us eclipsed under the name 
Of king anointed, for Avhom all this haste 
Of midnight march and hurried meeting here, 
This only to consult how we may best 
With what may be devised of honors new 780 

Receive him, coming to receive from us 
Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile. 
Too much to one, but double how endured. 
To one and to his image now proclaimed ? 
But Avhat if better counsels might erect 786 

Our minds, and teach us to cast off his yoke ! 
Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend 
The supple knee ? Ye will not, if I trust 
To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves 
Natives and sons of Heaven, possessed before 790 

By none, and if not equal all, yet free, 

768. Pretending^ pretending to one and to him who is now pro 

have been. claimed his image ? 

783, 784. Too much to pay to 790. possessed, owned ; inhab 

Due, but how can it be endured ited. 
when double, paid both to that 



Book v.] PARADISE LOST. 161 

Equally free ; for orders and degrees 

Jar not with liberty, but Avell consist. 

Who can in reason then, or right, assume 

Monarchy over such as live by right 791 

His equals, if in power and splendor less, 

In freedom equal ? or can introduce 

Law and edict on us, who without law 

Err not ? much less for this to be our Lord, 

And look for adoration, to the abuse 800 

Of those imperial titles, which assert 

Our being ordained to govern, not to serve.' 

" Tlius far his bold discourse without control 
Had audience ; when among the Seraphim 
Abdiel, than whom none with more zeal adored 805 
The Deity, and divine commands obeyed. 
Stood up, and in a flame of zeal severe, 
The current of his fury thus opposed : 

" ' O argument blasphemous, false, and proud I 
Words which no ear ever to hear in Heaven feiO 

Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate, 
In place thyself so high above thy peers. 
Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn 
The just decree of God, pronounced and SAVorn, 
That to his only Son, by right endued 815 

With regal sceptre, every soul in Heaven 
Shall bend the knee, and in that honor due 
Confess him rightful king ? Unjust, thou say'st. 
Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the fi-ee, 
And equal over equals to let reign, 83U 

One over all with unsucceeded power. 

793. consist, are consistent ; 800. to tjte abuse of, abusing or 

ag'.'ee. disparaging ; perverting. 

799. for this, on ttiis account ; 801. See line 772 

on accouni of these orders and 804. Had audience, was heard- 

degrees. — to be, assume or claim 821. unsucceeded, in which 
to be. 

11 



|'j2 PARADnE LOST. [BookV 

Shalt thou give law to God ? shalt thou dispute 

With him the points of liberty, who made 

Thee what thou art, and formed the powers of Heaven 

Such as he pleased, and circumscribed their being ? 

Yet, by experience taught, we know how good, 826 

And of our good and of our dignity 

How provident he is, how far from thought 

To make us less, bent rather to exalt 

Gur happy state, under one head more near 830 

United. But to grant it thee unjust 

That equal over equals monarch reign — 

Thyself though great and glorious dost thou count, 

Or all angelic nature joined in one. 

Equal to him, begotten Son ? by whom, 835 

As by his Word, the mighty Father made 

All things, even thee ; and all tlie spirits of Heaven 

By him created in their bright degrees, 

Crowned them with glory, and to their glory named 

Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers, 

Essential Powers ; nor by his reign obsoured, 841 

But more illustrious made ; since he the head 

One of our number thus reduced becomes, 

His laws our laws ; all honor to him done 

Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage, 846 

And tempt not these ; but hasten to appease 

The incensed Father, and the incensed Son, 

While pardon may be found, in time besought.' 

there is no succession ; everlast- 833. As by his Word. See John 

Ing. i. 1-3. 

822. " WTio art tt oit that re- 838. created governs spirits. 

pliest against God? ^ Romans 839. nained them. 

ix. 20. 841. Essential Powers, in their 

831.^0 grant it thee unjust, very being powerful. — oiscwrerf, 

granting to thee that it is unjust, obscured them. 

835. by ivhom. '' For by him 846. hasten to appease. See 

were all things created that are Psalm ii. 12. 

in heaven and that are in earth, 848. While pardon may be 

visible and invisible, whether found. " Seek ye the Lord 

they be thrones, or dominions, "while he may be found " Isaiah 

or principalities, or powers." Iv. 6. 
Colo.ssdans i. 16. 



"J - 



SookV.] paradise lost. 163 

" So spake the fervent angel ; but his zeal 
None seconded, as out of season judged 85<5 

S^r singular and rash ; whereat rejoiced 
The Apostate, and more haughty thus replied : 
' That we were formed then say'st thou ? and the 

work 
Of secondary hands, by task transferred 
From Father to his Son ? Strange point and new ! 
Doctrine which we would know whence learned. Who 

saw 856 

When this creation was ? remember'st thou 
Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being ? 
We know no time when we were not as now ; 
Know none before us, self-begot, self-raised 860 

By our OAvn quickening power, Avhen fatal course 
Had circled his full orb, the birth mature 
Of this our native Heaven, ethereal sons. 
Our puissance Is our own ; our own right hand 

Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try 865 s.J^ 

Who is our equal : then thou shalt behold 
Whether by supplication we intend 
Address, and to begirt the almighty throne 
Beseeching or besieging. This report, 
These tidings carry to the anointed king ; 870 

And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.' 

" He said ; and, as the sound of waters deep, 
Hoai'se murmur echoed to his words applause 
Through the Infinite host ; nor less for that 
The flaming Seraph, fearless though alone, 876 

Encompassed round with foes, thus answered bold : 

" ' O alienate from God, O spirit accursed, 
Vorsaken of all good ! I see thy fall 

SQL fatal course, course of fate, lips are our own; TCho is lord 
S64. " AVho have said, AVith oyer us?" Psalm xii. 4 
9Ur tongue will we prevail ; our 



-^ 



164 PARADISE LOST. [BookV 

Determined, and thy hapless crew involved 

In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread 88C 

Both of thy crime and punishment. Henceforth 

No more be troubled how to quit the yoke 

Of God's Messiah ; those Indulgent laws 

Will not be now vouchsafed, other decrees 

Against thee are gone forth without recall ; 88B 

That golden sceptre which thou didst reject 

Is now an iron rod to bruise and break 

Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise ; 

Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly 

These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath 880 

Impendent, raging into sudden flame, 

Distinguish not ; for soon expect to feel 

His thunder on thy head, devouring fire. 

Then Avho created thee lamenting learn, 

When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know. 885 

" So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found 
Among the faithless, faithful only he ; 
Among innumerable false, unmoved, 
Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified. 
His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal ; 90C 

Nor number nor example with him wrought 
To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind, 
Though single. From amidst them forth he passed, 
Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustained 
Superior, nor of violence feared aught ; 905 

And with retorted scorn his back he turned 
On those proud towers to swift destruction doomed. 

890. See Numbers xvi. 2^-26. 891. Liipendent, threatenlns 
■^devoted., doomed. 906. retorted^ thrown back. 



BOOK VI. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Raphael continues to relate how Michael and Gabi^cl were sent 
torth to battle against Satan and his angels. Ihe first fight de- 
Bcrihed. Satan and his powers retire under night. He calls a 
council, invents devilish engines, which in the second day's fight 
put Michael and his angels to some disorder ; but they at length, 
pulling up mountains, overwhelmed both the force and machines 
of Satan. Yet the tumult not so ending, God on the third day 
sends Messiah his Son, for whom he had reserved the glory of that 
victory : he. in the power of his Father, coming to the place, and 
causing all his legions to stand still on either side, with his chariot 
and thunder driving into the midst of his enemies, pursues them, 
unable to resist, towards the wall of Heaven ; which opening, they 
leap down with horror and confusion into the place of punishment 
prepared for them in the deep. Messiah returns with triumph to 
his Father. 

" All night the dreadlcss angel, unpursued, 
Through Heaven's wide champain held his way, till 

Morn, 
Waked by the circling Hours, with rosy hand 
Unbarred the gates of light. There is a cave 
Within the mount of God, fast by his throne, 6 

Where light and darkness in perpetual round 
Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes through 

Heaven 
Grateful vicissitude, like day and night ; 
Light issues forth, and at the other door 
Obsequious darkness enters, till her hour IC 

1. the dreadless angel. See V. entrvisted with the task of keep 

896-907. ing the gates of Iloiiven. 
1. Morn. SeeV. 1. b. fast h,j. See I. 12. 

8. The Hours (see IV. 2G7) were 10. till, aud remams tiU 



166 PARADISE LOST. [Book VI 

To veil the heaven ; though darkness there might well 
Seem twilight here. And now went forth the morn 
Such as in highest Heaven, arrayed in gold 
Empyreal ; from before her vanished night, 
Shot through with orient beams ; when all the plain. 15 
Covered with thick embattled squadrons bright, 
Chariots, and flaming arms, and fiery steeds, 

Reflecting blaze on blaze, first met his view. - i''jf9\ 

War he perceived, war in product, and found :^; i ^j,4?yM^ 
Already known what he for news had thought J 'V'"^^'^ ^r---*'^ 
To have reported : gladly then he mixed ' 'i'^ 11^ ^ 

Among those friendly powers, Avho hiin-TBeeive3^*^J^i.jLi^'y y 
With joy and acclamations loud, that one, (U /'/j^v^ *' 

That of so many myriads fallen yet one | 

Returned not lost. On to the sacred hill 2£ 

They led him high applauded, and present 
Before the seat supreme ; from whence a voice 
From midst a golden cloud thus mild was heard : 

" ' Servant of God, well done ; well hast thou fought 
The better fight, who single hast maintained 30 

Against revolted multitudes the cause 
Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms ; 
And for the testimony of truth hast borne 
Universal reproach, far worse to bear 
Than violence ; for this was all thy care, 85 

To stand approved in sight of God, though worlds 
Judged thee perverse : the easier conquest now 
Remains thee, aided by this host of friends, 
Back on thy foes more glorious to return 
Than scorned thou didst depart, and to subdue 40 

19. in prorinct, in preparation. 80. The better ,/inht. " Figho 

The Latin " in procinctu " means the good fight of faith." 1 Tim. 

girded in readiness to fight. vi. 12. 

29. Servant of God. This is 33. approved. See 2 Tim. U 

the signification of the Uebrew 15. 
Tord Abdiel. See V. 896. 38. thee, to thee 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 167 

By force who reason for their law refuse, 

Right reason for their laAv, and for their king 

Messiah, who by right of merit reigns. 

Go, Michael, of celestial armies prince, _ _ __-* 

And thou, in military prowess next, 45 

Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my sons 

Invincible ; lead forth my armed saints \J 4 

By thousands and by millions ranged for fight, yTl,4),.jt/^ 

Equal in number to that godless crew 

Rebellious; then with fire and hostile arms 60 

Fearless assault, and to the brow of Heaven v^rf^ 

Pursuing drive them out from God and bliss. 

Into their place of punishment, the gulf , ''iH^ -'• '^-^ 

Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide .^Z^ ^^'^ * 

His fiery chaos to receive their fall.' ^k -^ ■' &5 '" * 

" So spake the sovran voice, and clouds began — ^ 

To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll "^^^^ 

In dusky wreaths reluctant flames, the sign ^^ 

Of wrath awaked ; nor with less dread the loud 

Ethereal trumpet from on high gan blow : 60 ^ ^" 

At Avhicli command the powers militant 

That stood for Heaven, in mighty quadrate joined 

Of union irresistible, moved on 

In silence their bright legions to the sound 

Of instrumental harmony, that breathed 6S 

Heroic ardor to adventurous deeds.(_ __ 

Under their godhke leaders, in the cause 

Of God and his Messiah. On they move 

Indissolubly firm ; nor obvious hill, 

Nor straitening vale, nor wood, nor stream divides 70 

41. ?t'/io, those who. 58. r*'?Mc<anf, struggling ; forc- 

44. Mic/iad. See Daniel X. 13 ; ing their waj'. 
ttevelation xii. 7. 60. gan blow, began to blow. 

46. Gabrid is mentioned in 62. stood for, wove on the side 

Daniel viii. 16 ; also in Luke i. of. — quadrate, sfxuare or quad- 

19, 26. tangle. 

54. Tartarus. See II. 858. 69. obvious, coming in tha 

% His, its. way. 






l68 



PARADISE LOST. 



[Book VI 



Their perfect ranks ; for high above the ground 
Their march was, and the passive air upbore 
Their nimble tread : as when the total kind 
Of birds, in orderly array on wing, 
Came summoned over Eden to receive is 

Their names of thee ; so over many a tract 
Of Heaven they marched, and many a province wide, 
Tenfold the length of this terrene. At last, 
Far in the horizon to the north appeared 
From skirt to skirt a fiery region, stretched 80 

In battailous aspect, and nearer view 
Bristled with upright beams innumerable 
Of rigid spears, and helmets thronged, and shields 
Various with boastful argument portrayed, 
The banded powers of Satan hasting on 
AVIth furious expedition ; for they Aveened 
That selfsame day, by fight or by surprise, 
To win the mount of God, and on his throne 
To set the envier of his state, the proud 
Aspirer ; but their thoughts proved fond and vain 
In the midway. Though strange to us it seemed 
At first that angel should with angel war 
And in fierce hosting meet, who wont to meet 
So oft in festival of joy and love 
Unanimous, as sons of one great sire. 
Hymning the eternal Father ; but the shout 
Of battle now began, and rushing sound 
^f onset ended soon each milder thought. 
High in the midst, exalted as a god, 
The Apostate in his sun-bright chariot sat, 
Idol of majesty divine, enclosed 



^^ 




100 



73. the total kind, all the race. 
75. Came. See Genesis ii. 19. 
78. terrene, earthly province. 

82. beamx. perhaps shafts. 

83. thro7Jged, in throngs. 

W. argument, subject ; design. 



pro- 



83. weened, thought ; 
posed. 

90. fond, foolish. 

93. /io.f«/«o-, mustering; 
hling of troops. 

101. Idol, image ; counterfeit 
represeutatiou 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 169 

With flaming cherubim and goklcn shields ; 

Then lighted from his gorgeous throne, for now 

'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left, 

A dreadful interval, and front to front 106 

Presented stood in terrible array 

Of hideous length ; before the cloudy van, 

On the rough edge of battle ere it joined, 

Satan, with vast and haughty strides advan^d, 

Came towering, armed in adamant and go\^ HO 

Abdiel that sight endured not, where he stood 

Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds. 

And thus his own undaunted heart explores : 

" ' O Heaven ! that such resemblance of the 
Highest 
Should yet remain, where faith and realty 115 

Remain not : wherefore should not strength and might 
There fail where virtue fails, or weakest prove 
Where boldest, though to sight unconquerable ? 
His puissance, trusting in the Almighty's aid 
I mean to try, whose reason I have tried 121 

Unsound and false ; nor is it aught but just, 
That he who in debate of truth hath won 
Should win in arms, in both disputes alike 
Victor ; though brutish that contc'st and foul 
When reason hath to deal with force, yet so 125 

Most reason is that reason overcome.' 

" So pondering, anl from his armed peers. 
Forth stepping opposite, half way he met 



108. edge of battle. The same 115. tealty, reality; unless^ it 
word in Latin means botli edge be loyalty, from the Italian 
and line of battle. See I. 276. " real tilt." 

109. advanced^ having ad- _ 118. to signt, as it appears t« 
vanced. sight. 

113. explores, searches and (x- 120. tried and found to be. 
presses 



^ 



170 PARADISE LOST. [Book VI 

His daring foe, at this prevention more sT'^X 

Incensed, and thus securely him defied : lao C^l^ 

" ' Proud, art tliou met ? tby hope was to have 
reached 
The height of thy aspiring unopposed, 
The throne of God unguarded, and his side 
Abandoned at the terror of thy power \j^ 

Or potent tongue : fool, not to think how vain 13" 
Against the Omnipotent to rise in arms ! 
Who out of smallest things could without end 
Have raised incessant armies to defeat "^ 

Thy folly ; or with solitary hand, ">-' 

Reaching beyond all limit, at one blow 140 

Unaided could have finished thee, and whelmed 
Thy legions under darkness. But thou seest 
All are not of thy train ; there be who faith 
Prefer and piety to God, though then 
To thee not visible when I alone 145 

Seemed in thy world erroneous to dissent 
From all ; my sect thou seest : now learn too late 
How few sometimes may know, when thousands err. 

" Whom the grand foe, with scornful eye askance, 
Thus answered : ' 111 for thee, but in wished hour 150 
Of my revenge, first sought for, thou return'st 
From flight, seditious angel, to receive 
Thy merited reward, the first assay 
Of this right hand provoked, since first that tongue, 
Inspired with contradiction, durst oppose 15S 

A third part of the gods, in synod met 

129. prevention, anticipation. 148. How feiv, one, or onlj 

130. secKrfly, Mithout fear. one. 
139. solitari/, single. 150. Ill, unhappily. 

146. erroneous, misled ; mis- 151. first souifiit for, whom I 
aken. sought first to meet. 

147. my sent, my party. 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 171 

Their deities to assert, who, while they feel 

Vigor divine within them, can allow 

Omnipotence to none. But well thou com'st 

Before thy fellows, ambitious to win 160 

From me some plume, that thy success may show 

Destruction to the rest : this pause between 

(Unanswered lest thou boast) to let thee know, 

At first I thought that liberty and Heaven 

To heavenly souls had been all one ; but now 165 

I see that most through sloth had rather serve, 

Ministering spirits, trained up in feast and song : 

Such hast thou armed, the minstrelsy of Heaven, 

ServiUty with freedom to contend, 1G9 

As both their deeds compared this day shall prove.^; 




" To whom in brief thus Abdiel stern replied : 
' Apostate, still thou err'st, nor end wilt find 
Of erring, from the faith of truth remote : 
Unjustly thou deprav'st it with the name 
Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains ^'^ 

Or Nature ; God and Nature bid the same. 
When he who rules is worthiest, and excels 
Them whom he governs. This is servitude. 
To serve the unwise, or him who hath rebelled 
Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee, ISO 

Thyself not free, but to thyself enthralled ; 
Yet lewdly dar'st our ministering upbraid. 
Reign thou in Hell, thy kingdom ; let me serve 
In Heaven God ever blest, and his divine 
Behests obey, worthiest to be obeyed : ^ 18J 

Yet chains in Hell, not realms, expect ; meanwhile 

161. success, fortune ; ill sue- shall be heirs of salvation ? " H« 

cesF. t)rews i. 1-1. 

167 Ministering spirits, as 17.3. remote, fixr Tcmo\ed. 
loinisterin^ spirits. " Arc they 11-i. deprav'st, diifumest. 
aot all ministering spirits, sent 175 whotn, bim whom, 
forth to uiinister for them who 182 lewdltj, wickedly 




172 PARADISE LOST. 

From me returned, as erst tbou salclst, from flight, 
This greeting on thy impious crest receive.' 

" So saying, a noble stroke he lifted high, 
Which hung not, but so swift ^^■ith tempest fell 
On the proud crest of Satan, that no sight, 
Nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield 
Such ruin intercept : ten paces huge 
lie back recoiled ; the tenth on bended knee 
His massy spear upstayed ; as if on earth 
Winds under ground, or waters forcing way, 
Sidelong had pushed a mountain from his seat, 
Half sunk with all his pines. Amazement seized 
Tlie rebel thrones, but greater rage, to see 
Thus foiled their mightiest ; ours joy filled, and shout. 
Presage of victory, and fierce desire 201 

Of battle, whereat Michael bid sound _ 

The archangel trumpet : through the vast of Heaven ?"S^ 
It sounded, and the faithful armies rung '^te- 

Hosanna to the Highest ; nor stood at gaze 206 ^^?~" 

The adverse legions, nor less hideous joined '^ /"^ 

The horrid shock. Now storming fury rose, C9^ 

And clamor such as heard in Heaven till now 
Was never ; arms on armor clashing brayed 
Horrible discord, and the madding wheels 210 

Of brazen chariots raged ; dire was the noise 
Of conflict ; overhead the dismal hiss 
Of fiery darts in flaming volleys flew, 
And flying vaulted either host with fire. 
So under fiery coj)e together rushed 211 

Both battles main, with ruinous assault 
And inextinguishable rage ; all Heaven 

190. hung, lingered ; delayed, tenth being the object of th« 

— temj-fst, fury ; violence. verb. 

192. less, still less. 21'1. vaulted, covered as witfc 

195. his massi/ spKir. See I. an arch. 
i^2-^^. — upstayed, held up, the 216. bailies, hosts 



% 



^ 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 173 

Resounded, and had Earth been then, all Earth 

Had to her centre shook. What wonder ? when 

Millions of fierce encountering angels fought 22C 

On either side, the least of whom could wield 

These elements, and arm him with the force 

Of all their regions : how much more of power 

Army against army numberless to raise 

Dreadful combustion warring, and disturb 225 

Though not destroy their happy native seat ;, 

Had not the eternal king omnipotent 

From his stronghold of Heaven high oveiTuled 

And limited their might ; though numbered such 

As each divided legion might have seemed 230 

A numerous host, In strength each armed hand 

A legion ; led in fight, yet leader seemed 

Each warrior single as In chief, expert 

Wlien to advance, or stand, or turn the sway 

Of battle, open when, and when to close 235 

The ridges of grim war : no thought of flight, 

None of retreat, no unbecoming deed 

That argued fear ; each on himself relied, 

As only in his arm the moment lay 

Of victory. Deeds of eternal fame 240 

Were done, but infinite, for wide was spread 

That war and various ; sometimes on firm ground 

A standing fight, then soaring on main wing 

Tormented all the air ; all air seemed then 

Conflicting fire. Long time in even scale * 246 

The battle hung ; till Satan, who that day 

219. had shook, -would have 230. As, that, 
shaken. 233. as, as if. — in chief, In 

222. TViese elements^ this world, command, 
composed of elements. 236. ridges, rows or ranks. 

224. to raise, had or possessed 238. argued, gave proof of. 
to raise. 239. wo/nenf, momentum ; 

225. combustion, confusion, tur- power. 

moil. 244. Tormented, vexed; agi- 

529. numbered such, in such tated. 
nambers. 



IT-l 



PARADISE LOST. 



[Book VT 



Prodigious power had shown, and met in arms 

No equal, ranging through the dire attack 

Of fighting seraphim confused, at length 

Saw where the sword of Michael smote, and felled 250 

Squadrons at once ; Avith huge two-handed sway 

Brandished aloft the horrid edge came down 

Wide wasting : such destruction to withstand 

He hasted, and opposed the rocky orb 

Of tenfold adamant, his ample shield, 256 

A vast circumference. At his approach 

The great Archangel from his warlike toil 

Surceased, and glad, as hoping here to end 

Intestine war in Heaven, the arch-foe subdued 

Or captive dragged in chains, with hostile frown 260 

And visaire all inflamed first thus began : 



" ' Author of evil, unknown till thy revolt, 
Unnamed in Heaven, now plenteous, as thou seest 
These acts of hateful strife, hateful to all, 
Though heaviest by just measure on thyself 265 

And thy adherents ; how hast thou disturbed 
Heaven's blessed peace, and into Nature brought 
Misery, uncreated till the crime 
Of thy rebellion ! how hast thou instilled 
Thy malice into thousands, once upright 27U 

^nd faithful, now proved fiilse ! But think not here 
To trouble holy rest : Heaven casts thee out 
From all her confines ; Heaven, the seat of bliss, 
Brooks not the works of violence and war. 
Hence then, and Evil go with thee along, 271 

Thy offspring, to the place of evil. Hell, 
Thou and thy wicked crew ; there mingle broils ; 
Ere this avenging sword begin thy doom, 




251. sioay^ swing ; sweep. 
255. his ample shield. See I. 
«84-287. 



258. Surceased, ceased. 
263. plenteous, abundant. 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 175 

Or some more sudden vengeance, winged from God, 
Precipitate thee with augmented pain.' 280 

" So spake the prince of angels ; to whom thus 
The Adversary : ' Nor think thou with wind 
Of aery threats to awe whom yet with deeds 
Thou canst not. Hast thou turned the least of these 
To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise 285 

Unvanquished, easier to transact with me 
That thou shouldst hope, imperious, and with threals 
To chase me hence ? Eit not that so shall end 
The strife Avhich thou call'st evil, but we style 
The strife of glory ; which we mean to win, 290 

Or turn this Heaven itself into the Hell 
Thou fablest ; here hoAvever to dwell free. 
If not to reign : meanwhile thy utmost force. 
And join him named Almighty to thy aid, 
I fly not, but have sought thee far and nigh.' 295 

" They ended parle, and both addressed for fight 
Unspeakable ; for who, though with the tongue 
Of angels, can relate, or to what things 
Liken on earth conspicuous, that may lift 
Human imagination to such height 300 

Of godlike power ? for likest gods they seemed, 
Stood they or moved, in stature, motion, arms, 
Fit to decide the empire of great Heq^ven. 
Now waved their fiery swords, and in the air 
Made horrid circles ; two broad suns their shields 305 
Blazed opposite, while expectation stood 

280. Precipitate thee, hurl thee 292. to dwell, we mean to dwell, 

headlong. 294. And join, though thou 

282. The Adversary. See I. 82. join. 

283. ivhoin, him -whom.. 296. T^arZp, parley. — addressed 

285. but that they, only to. addres-sed themselves ; prepared 

286. easier, that thou shonldit 302. Stood they or moved, 
hope to find it easier. — to trans- whether they stood or Tioved. 
act, to deal. 

2SS. Err not, think not erring- 
ly or mistakenly. 



Ito^^J 



176 PARADISE LOST. [Book VT 

[n horror : from each hand with speed reth-ed, r^ 

Where erst was thickest fight, the angelic throng, 

And left large field, unsafe within the Avind 

Of such commotion ; such as (to set forth 31C 

Great things by small) if, Nature's concord broke, 

Among the constellations war were sprung, 

Two planets rushing from aspect malign 

Of fiercest opposition in mid-sky 

Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound. 

Together both, with next to almighty arm 31Q 

UpHfted imminent, one stroke they aimed 

That might determine, and not need repeat 

As not of power at once ; nor odds appeared 

In might or swift prevention ; but the sword 320 

Of Michael from the armory of God 

Was given him tempered so, that neither keen 

Nor solid might resist that edge : it met 

The sword of Satan with steep force to smite 

Descending, and in half cut sheer ; nor stayed, 325 

But with swift wheel reverse, deep entering shared 

All his right side ; then Satan first knew pain, 

And writhed him to and fro convolved ; so sore 

The griding sword with discontinuous wound 

Passed through him ; but the ethereal substance closed. 

Not long divisible ; and from the gash 331 

A stream of nectarous humor issuing flowed 

Sanguine, such as celestial spirits may bleed, 

And all his armor stained, erewhile so bright. 

Forthwith on all sides to his aid was run 835 

By angels many and strong, who interposed 

313. aspect malign. According 325. in half cut sheer, out it 

to the astrologer.?, planets in op- quite in two. 

;)Osition to each other were of 326. tvith sivifl wheel reverse, 

malign aspect, threatening evil. • quickly turned upwards. — shared. 

317. inmiinent, threatening. cut. 

318. determine, bring to an 329. griding., harshly cutting 
end. — repeat, to be repeated; — discontinuous., SQ:^ex&img. 
rtjpetiUon. 2^b. ivas run. This is a Latin.' 

319. of power, powerful enough, ism ; the verb is impersonal. Th« 






B(X)K VI.] 



PARADISE LOST. 



Ill 



840 



S15 



350 



Defence, wLile others bore him on their shields 

Back to his chariot, where it stood retired 

P'rom off the files of war ; there they him laid 

Gnashing for anguish and despite and shame, 

To find himself not matchless and his pride 

Humbled by such rebuke, so for beneath 

His confidence to equal God in power. 

Yet soon he healed ; for spirits that live throughout 

Vital in every part, not as frail man^ 

In entrails, heart or head, liver or reins, 

Cannot but by annihilating die ; 

Nor in their liquid texture mortal wound 

Receive, no more than can the fluid air : 

All heart they live, all head, all eye, all ear, 

All intellect, all sense ; and as they please 

They limb themselves, and color, shape, or size 

Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare. - 

" Ikleanwhile in other parts like deeds deserved 
Memorial, where the might of Gabriel fought. 
And Avith fierce ensigns pierced the deep array 
Of Moloch, furious king, who him defied. 
And at his chariot-wheels to drag him bound 
Threatened, nor from the Holy One of Heaven 
Refrained his tongue blasphemous ; but anon, 
Down cloven to the Avaist, with shattered arms 
And uncouth pain fled bellowing. On each Aving 
Uriel and Raphael his vaunting foe, 
Though huge and in a rock of diamond armed, 
Vanquished, Adramelech and Asmadai, 365 

Two potent Thrones, that to be less than gods 
Disdained, but meaner thoughts learned in their flight; 



X 



355 



36C 



N 



\ 



English idiom would be, angels 
many and slrn7ig ran to his aid. 

346. In, only in. 

362. limb themselves, take to 
themselves limbs. 

12 



357. furious king. See I. 3 

362. %incoutlu strange. 

363. his, each his. 

366. Thrones. See Q. 310. 






178 



PARADISE LOST. 



Book VI, 



Mangled with ghastly wounds through plate and 
Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy 
The atheist crew, but with redoubled blow 
Ariel and Arioch and the violence 
Of Ramiel scorched and blasted overthrew. 
I might relate of thousands, and their names 
Eternize here on earth ; but those elect 
Angels, contented with their fame in Heaven, 
Seek not the praise of men : the other sort. 
In might though wondrous and in acts of war, 
Nor of renown less eager, yet by doom 
Cancelled from Heaven and sacred memory, 
Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell ; 
For strength, from truth divided and from just, 
Illaudable, nought merits but dispraise 
And ignominy, yet to glory aspires 
Vainglorious, and through infamy seeks fame : 
Therefore eternal silence be their doom. 



mail. 



870 / 



876 



JS^j 






X 



386 



" And now, their mightiest quelled, the battle 
swerved. 
With many an inroad gored ; deformed rout 
Entered, and foul disorder ; all the ground 
With shivered armor strewn, and on a heap 
Chariot and charioteer lay overturned, 390 

And fiery foaming steeds ; what stood recoiled 
O'erwearied through the faint Satanic host 
Defensive scarce, or with pale fear surprised 
(Then first with fear surprised and sense of pain) 
Fled iirnominious, to such evil brouirht 895 



868. plate and mail, the two 
kinds of armor, one composed of 
broad pieces of metal, the other 
being a kind of network. 

374. Eternize., make immor- 
tal. 

382. Illaudable, not worthy of able to defend themselves — 
praise. connects recoiled and ^ed. 



886. battle, main body. Fee 
line 216. 

891. rvhat stood recoiled, the 
part which had not fallen fell 
back. 

393. Defensive scarce, scarcely 






Booryi] paradise lost. 179 

By sin of disobedience, till tliat hour -^ 

Not liable to fear or flight or pain. ^CT^' 

Far otherwise the inviolable saints ^^ 

In cubic phalanx firm advanced entire, 

Invulnerable, impenetrably armed ; 401' 

Such high advantages their innocence 

Gave them above their foes, not to have sinned, 

Not to have disobeyed ; in fight they stood 

Unwearied, unobnoxious to be pained KW 

By wound, though from their place by violence moved, 

" Now Night her course began, and, over Heaven y 

Inducing darkness, grateful truce imposed, ^^ 

And silence on the odious din of war : 
Under her cloudy covert both retired, 
Victor and vanquished. On the foughten field 410 
Michael and his angels prevalent 
Encamping placed in guard their watches round, 
Cherubic waving fires : on the other part ^ 
Satan with his rebellious disappeared, 
Far in the dark dislodged ; and, void of rest, 415 

His potentates to council called by night. 
And in the midst thus undismayed began : 

" ' now in danger tried, now known in arms 
Not to be overpowered, companions dear, 
Found worthy not of liberty alone, 420 

Too mean pretence, but, what we more affect, 
Honor, dominion, glory, and renown ; 
Who have sustained one day in doubtful fight 
(And if one day, why not eternal days ?) 
What Heaven's lord had powerfuUest to send 128 

Against us from about his throne, and judged 

399. cubic, square and solid. 407. Inducing, bringing ; letul- 
See line 62. ingon. _ 

404. unobnoxious, not Uable. 411. prevalent, having pro- 

vailed ; victorioiis. 






180 PARADISE LOST. [Book VI 

Sufficient to subdue us to his Avill, 

But proves not so ; then fallible, it seems, 

Of future we may deem him, though till now 

Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly armed 480 

Some disadvantage we endured and pain 

Till now not known, but known, as soon contemned ; 

Since now we find this our empyreal form 

Incapable of mortal injury, 

Imperishable, and, though pierced with wound, 435 

Soon closing and by native vigor healed. 

Of evil then so small as easy think 

The remedy ; perhaps more valid arms, 

Weapons more violent, when next we meet, 

May serve to better us and %^'orse our foes, 440 ^ 

Or equal what between us made the odds, ^ 

In nature none : if other hidden cause 

Left them superior, while we can preserve 

Unhurt our minds and understanding sound, 

Due search and consultation will disclose.' 445 

" He sat ; and in the assembly next upstood 
Nisroch, of principalities the prime; 
As one he stood escaped from cruel fight, 
Sore toiled, his riven arms to havoc hewn, 
And cloudy in aspect thus answering spake : 450 

Deliverer from new lords, leader to free 
Enjoyment of our right as gods ; yet hard 
For gods and too unequal work we find, 
Against unequal arms to fight in pain. 
Against unpalned, impassive ; from which evil 46£ 
Ruin must needs ensue ; for what avails 

428. Biit, but which. 447. In 2 Kings xix. 37, Ms- 

429. Of future, with respect to roch is a god of the Assyrians, 
the future. 449. tciled, wearied ; worn 

430. is, it is. with toil. 
432. But contemned as soon as 455. urtpained, those who feel 

Vnown. no pain. — impassive, wlio can 

442. Fn nature none, there be- not suffer. 
tag none in nature. 



V n 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 181 

Valor or strengih, tliougli matcliless, quelled witk 

pain 
VVliich all subdues, and makes remiss the hands 
Of mightiest ? Sense of pleasure we may well 
Spare out of life perhaps, and not repine, 460 

But live content, which is the calmest life ; 
But pain is pertect misery, the worst 
Of evils, and excessive overtm-ns 
All patience. He who therefore can invent 
\Vith what more forcible we may ofiend 466 

Our yet un wounded enemies, or arm 
Ourselves with like defence, to me deserves 
No less than lor deliverance what we owe.* 

" Whereto with look composed Satan replied : 
' Not unin vented that, which thou aright 470 

Believ'st so main to our success, I bring. 
Which of us who beholds the bright surliice 
Of this ethereous mould whereon we stand, 
This continent of spacious Heaven, adorned 474 

With plant, fruit, flower ambrosial, gems, and gold, 
Whose eye so superficially surveys 
These things as not to mind from whence they grow 
Deep under ground, materials dark and crude, 
Of spirltous and fiery spume, till touched 
With Heaven's ray and tempered they shoot forth 
So beauteous, opening to the ambient light ? 481 

These in their dark nativity the deep 
Shall yield us, pregnant with infernal flame ; 
Which into hollow engines long and round 
Thick rammed, at the other bore with touch of fire 

465. offend, attack ; injure. 476. Whose. See line 472. 

467. to me, to my miud ; in 482. nativity, native state or 
my opinion. place. 

468. u-hat toe owe, what we 485. the other bore, the opening 
should owe. at other end of the hollow en 

471 . main, important. gines. 



1 82 PARADISE L OS T. [Book Vi 

Dilated and infuriate, shall send forth 486 

From far with thundering noise among our foes 
Such implements of mischief, as shall dash 
To pieces and o'erwhelm whatever stands 
Adverse, that they shall fear we have disarmed 490 
The Thunderer of his only dreaded bolt. 
Nor long shall be our labor ; yet ere dawn 
Effect shall end our wish. Meanwhile revive ; 
Abandon fear ; to strength and counsel joined 
Think nothing hard, much less to be despaired." 49£ 

" He ended, and his words their drooping cheer 
Enlightened, and their languished hope revived. 
The invention all admired, and each how he 
To be the inventor missed, so easy it seemed 
Once found, which yet unfound most would have 
thought 600 

Impossible : yet haply of thy race,. , 
In future days, if malice should abound, 
Some one intent on mischief, or inspired 
With devilish machination, might devise 
Like instrument to plague the sons of men 5or> 

For sin, on war and mutual slaughter bent. 
Forthwith from council to the work they flew ; 
None arguing stood ; innumerable hands 
Were ready ; in a moment up they turned 
Wide the celestial soil, and saw beneath 510 

The originals of Nature in their crude 
Conception ; sulphurous and nitrous foam 
They found, they mingled, and with subtle art 
Concocted and adusted they reduced 
To blackest grain, and into store conveyed : 515 

Part hidden veins digged up (nor hath this earth 

490. that, so that. 497. Enlightened, msLdehnghi 

495. despaired, despaired of. 514. adusted, dried by heat. 

496. cheer, state of miud as 
tzpresBed iu tlieir couuteuauce. 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 183 

Entrails unlike) of mineral and stone, 

Whereof to found their engines and their balls 

Of missive ruin ; part incentive reed 

Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire. 620 

So all ere day-spring, under conscious night, 

Secret they finished and in order set, 

With silent circumspection, unespied^ 

/ ' F 

" Now when fair morn orient in Heaven appeared, 
Up rose the victor angels, "ind to arms 525 

The matin trumpet sung * in arms they stood 
Of golden panoply, refulgent host. 
Soon banded ; others from the dawning hills 
Looked round, and scouts each coast light- armed scour. 
Each quarter, to descry the distant foe, 530 

Where lodged, or whither fled, or if for fight, ^-. 

In motion or in halt : him soon they met V* 

Under spread ensigns moving nigh, in slow 
But firm battalion ; back with speediest sail 
Zophiel, of cherubim the swiftest wing, 535 

Came flying, and in mid-air aloud thus cried : 

" ' Arm, warriors, arm for fight ! the foe at hand, 
Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit 
This day ; fear not his flight ; so thick a cloud 
He comes, and settled in his face I see 540 

Sad resolution and secure : let each 
His adamantine coat gird well, and each 
Fit well his helm, gripe fest his orbed shield. 
Borne even or high ; for this day will pour down. 
If I conjecture aught, no drizzling shower, 545 

But rattling storm of arrows barbed with fire.' 

518. /"oKnr/, cast. See I. 703. 521. conscious, knowing to; 

519. 'incentive, kindling ; incen- being a witness of. 
live reed, a match. 541. Sad, serious. 

620. pernicious. This word is 544. even or high, level or up 
here perhaps used in the sense right 
of the Latin " pernix," quick 



184 PARADISE LOST. [Book YI. 

" So warned he them, aware themselves, and soon 
In order, quit of all impedhnent ; 
Instant without disturb they took alarm, 
And onward moved embattled : when behold 550 

Not distant far with heavy pace the foe 
Approaching gross and huge, in hollow cube 
Training his devilish enginery, impaled 
On every side with shadowing squadrons deep, 
To hide the fraud. At interview both stood 655 

Awhile ; but suddenly at head appeared 
Satan, and thus was heard commanding loud : 

" ' Vanguard, to right and left the front unfold ; 
That all may see who hate us how we seek 
Peace and composure, and with open breast 560 

Stand ready to receive them, if they like 
Our overture and turn not back perverse : 
But that I doubt ; however, witness Heaven, 
Heaven witness thou anon, while we discharge 
Freely our part. Ye who appointed stand, 565 

Do as you have in charge, and briefly touch 
What we propound, and loud that all may hear/ 

" So scoffing in ambiguous Avords, he scarce 
Had ended, when to right and left the front 
Divided, and to either flank retired ; 57O 

Which to our eyes discovered, new and strange, 
A triple mounted row of pillars laid 
On wheels (for like to pillars most they seemed. 
Or hollowed bodies made of oak or fir, 
With branches lopped, in wood or mountain felled), 676 

648. quit of, free from. — im- train. — impaled, surrounded a» 

^pediment, the Latin " impedi- with pales ; fenced in . 
menta," the baggage of an army. 555. At interview, gazing at or 

549. took alarm, roused them- eyeing eacli other, 
selves. 5G0. composure, composition 

553. Training, drawing in settlement of differences. 



V 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 185 

Brass, iroji, stony mould, had not their mouths 

With hideous orifice gaped on us wide, 

Portending hollow truce : at each behind 

A seraph stood, and in his hand a reed 

Stood waving tipped with fire ; while we suspense 580 

Collected stood within our thoughts amused ; 

Not long, for sudden all at once their reeds 

Put forth, and to a narrow vent applied 

With nicest touch. Immediate in a flame 584 

But soon obscured with smoke^all Heaven appeared. 

From those deep-throated engines belched, whose roar 

Embowelled with outrageous noise the air, 

And all her entrails tore, disgorging foul 

Their devilish glut, chained thunderbolts and hail 

Of iron globes ; which, on the victor host 69C 

Levelled, with such impetuous fury smote 

That whom they hit none on their feet might stand^ 

Though standing else as rocks, but down they fell 

By thousands, angel on archangel rolled, 

The sooner for their arms ; unarmed they might 695 

Have easily as spirits evaded swift 

By quick contraction or remove ; but now 

Foul dissipation followed and forced rout ; 

Nor served it to relax their serried files. 

What should they do ? If on they rushed, repulse 000 

Repeated, and indecent overthrow 

Doubled, would render them yet more despised, 

And to their foes a laughter ; for in view 

Stood ranked of seraphim another row, 

[n posture to displode their second tire e)5 

Of thunder: back defeated to return 

576. stony. Cannons were m 598. Fotil dissipation, shame- 
former times sometimes made of ful dispersion. 
Btoae. 599. Nor served it, noi was it 

5S0. suspense, held in su>pense. cf any use. — serried. See I. 548. 

581. amused, musing; or, per- 605. In posture to displode, in 

\aps, amazed. the attitude proper for ilischarg- 

592. whom, of those whom. ing. — tire, tier ; rank 



186 PARADISE LOST. [Book VI 

They woi'se abhorred. Satan beheld their plight, 
And to his mates thus in derision called : 

" ' friends, why coine not on these victors proud ? 
Erewhile they fierce were coming ; and when we 61C 
To entertain them fiiir with open front 
And breast (what could ive more ?) propounded terms 
Of composition, straight they changed their minds, 
Flew oif, and into strange vagaries fell, 614 

As they would dance ; yet for a dance they seemed 
Somewhat extravagant and wild, perhaps . 
For joy of offered peace: but I suppose, 
If our proposals once again were heard, 
We should compel them to a quick result.' 

" To whom thus Belial in like gamesome mood : 620 
' Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight, 
Of hard contents, and full of force urged home, 
Such as we might perceive amused them all. 
And stumbled many ; who receives them right, 
Had need from head to foot well understand ; 625 -^ 

Not understood, this gift they have besides. 
They show us when our foes walk not upright. 

" So they among themselves in pleasant vein 
Stood scoffing, heightened in their thoughts beyond 
All doubt of victory ; eternal might 630 

To match with their inventions they presumed 
So easy, and of his thunder made a scorn, 
And all his host derided, while they stood 
Awhile in trouble : but they stood not long ; 
Rage prompted them at length, and found them armi 
Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose. 634 

Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power 

615. ^5, as if. 632. his refers to eternal might 

S23. aynused. See line 581. personified. 



\ 



Book VI.] 



PARADISE LOST. 



187 



Which God hath in his mighty angels placed !) 

Their arms away they threw, and to tlie hills 

(For Earth hath this variety from Heaven 640 

Of pleasure situate in hill and dale) 

Light as the lightning glimpse they ran, they flew ; 

From their foundations loosening to and fro 

They plucked the seated hills with all their load, 

Rocks, waters, woods, and by the shaggy tops 645 

Uplifting bore them in their hands. Amaze, 

Be sure, and terror seized the rebel host, 

When coming towards them so dread they saw 

The bottom of the mountains upward turned ; 

Till on those cursed engines triple-row 650 

They saw them whelmed, and all their confidence 

Under the weight of mountains buried deep ; 

Themselves invaded next, and on their heads 

Main promontories flung, which in the air 654 

Came shadowing, and oppressed whole legions armed ; 

Their armor helped their harm, crushed in and 

bruised 
Into their substance pent, which wrought them pain 
Implacable, and many a dolorous groan. 
Long struggling underneath, ere they could wind 
Out of such prison, though spirits of purest light. 660 
Purest at fii*st, now gross by sinning grown. 
The rest, in imitation, to like arms 
Betook them, and the neighboring hills uptore ; 
So hills amid the air encountered hills, 
Hurled to and fro with jaculation dire, 668 

That under ground they fought in dismal shade ; 
Infernal noise ; war seemed a civil game 



640. hath, hath derived {from 
Heaven). 

651. all their confidence, all in 
lyhich they trusted. 

653. Themselves invaded next, 
they saw (line 651) themselves 
next assailed. 



Q^o. oppressed, orerpcwered ; 
pre.'^sed do^s-n. 

656. helped theirharm, increas- 
ed their suffering. 

658. Implacable, not to be al- 
layed. 

665. jaculation, throwing. 

667. civil, peaceful. 



\ 



188 



PARADISE LOST. 



[Book VI 



To this uproar ; horrid confusion heaped 

Upon confusion rose. And now all Heaven 

Had gone to wrack, with ruin overspread, 

Had not the almighty Father, where he sits ^^ 

Shrined in his sanctuary of Heaven secure, ->^ 

Consulting on the sum of things, foreseen ^ , 

This tumult, and permitted all, advised ; 

That his great purpose he might so fulfil, 

To honor his anointed Son avenged 

Upon his enemies, and to declare 

All power on him transferred : whence to his Son, 

The assessor of his throne, he thus becfan : 



670 



^^ 



675 



" ' Effulgence of my glory. Son beloved, 680 

Son in whose face invisible is beheld 
Visibly what by deity I am, 
And in whose hand what by decree I do. 
Second Omnipotence ! two days are past. 
Two days, as we compute the days of Heaven, 686 
Since Michael and his j)owers went forth to tame 
These disobedient : sore hath been their fight. 
As likeliest was when two such foes met armed ; 
For to themselves I left them, and thou kuow'st 
Equal in their creation they were formed, 690 

Save what sin hath impaired, which yet hath wrought 
Insensibly, for I suspend their doom ; 
Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last 
Endless, and no solution will be found. 
War wearied hath performed what war can do, 695 
And to disordered rage let loose the reins. 



668. To, compared with. 

670. wrack, wreck. 

674. advised, by design ; ad- 
visedly. 

677. declare, make clearly 
known. 

G79. assessor, one who sits near 
M sharing his dignity 



681. ini'isible, refers to ivhat by 
deity I am. " "Who is the image 
of the invisible God." Colossiana 
i. 15. 

682. by deity, in myself as God 

683. in whose hand, in whos« 
acts is beheld. 

692. Insensibly, gradually ; bj 
slow degrees 




Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 189 

With mountains as with -weapons armed, whicb 

makes 
Wild work in Heaven, and dangerous to the main. 
Two days are therefore past, the third is thine ; 
For thee I have ordained it, and thus far TOO 

Have suffered, that the glory may be thine 
Of ending this great war, since none but thou 
Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace 
Immense I have transfused, that all may know 
In Heaven and Hell thy power above compare ; 7t\ft 
And this perverse commotion governed thus. 
To manifest thee worthiest to be heir 
Of all things, to be heir and to be king 
By sacred unction, thy deserved right. 
Go then, thou Mightiest, in thy Father's might, 7lo 
Ascend my chariot, guide the rapid wheels 
That shake Heaven's basis, bring forth all ray war, 
My bow and thunder, my almighty arras 
Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant thigh ; 
Pursue these sons of darkness, drive them out 715 

From all Heaven's bounds into tiie utter deep : 
There let them learn, as likes them, to despise 
God and Messiah his anointed king." 

" He said, and on his Son with rays direct 
Shone full ; he all his Father full expressed 720 

Ineffably into his face received ; 
And thus the filial Godhead answering spake : 

" ' O Father, O Supreme of heavenly thrones, 
First, Highest, Holiest, Best ! thou always seek'st 

698. JTJam, vrhole. 721. Ineffably^ in a manner not 

701. suffered, allowed • permit- to be expressed by words, 
ted. 725. To glorify. "And now, 

706. governed, have I directed. Father, glorify thou me with 

714. Gird on. See Psalm xlv 3 thine own self, with the glory 

716 litter, outer. which I had with thee before th« 

717 /iA;es, pleases world was." John xrii. 6. 



190 



PARADISE LOST. 



[Book VI 



To glorify tliy Son, I always Thee, 725 

As is most j ust : this I my glory account, 

My exaltation, and my whole delight, 

That thou in me well pleased declar'st thy will 

Fulfilled, which to fulfil is all my bliss. 

Sceptre and power, thy giving, I assume, 

And gladlier shall resign, when in the end 

Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee ^■ 

For ever, and in me all whom thou lov'st : 

But whom thou hat'st I hate, and can put on 

Thy terrors, as I put thy mildness on, 735 

Lnage of thee in all things ; and shall soon, 

Armed with thy might, rid Heaven of these rebelled, 

To their prepared ill mansion driven down, 

To chains of darkness and the undying worm, 

That from thy just obedience could revolt, 740 

Whom to obey is happiness entire. 

Then shall thy saints unmixed, and from the impure 

Far separate, circling thy holy mount. 

Unfeigned hallelujahs to thee sing, 

Hymns of high praise, and I among them chief 745 



30 .grrqr 



^^ 



^ 



" So said, he o'er his sceptre bowing rose 
From the right hand of glory where he sat ; 
And the third sacred morn began to shine, 
Dawning through Heaven : forth rushed with whirl- 
wind sound 
The chariot of paternal Deity, 750 

Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel, undrawn. 



728. well pleased. See Matthew 
Kvii. 5. 

729. ivhkh to fulfil. "Jesus 
saith unto them, My meat is to 
do the will of him that sent me, 
and to finish his mprk." John 
IV. 34. 

732. all in all. See 1 Cor. xv. 
28. — I in thee. See John xvii. 
21. 



737. rebelled., who have rebelled. 

739. the undying ivorm. "Where 
their worm dieth not." Markix. 
44. 

751. ivheel loithin loheel. "And 
their appearance and their work 
was as it were a wheel in the 
middle of a wheel." Ezekiel i 
16. Compare lines 749-759 with 
Ezekiel i. 4-28. 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 191 "T 

Itself instinct with spirit, but conveyed ^^ 

By four cherubic shapes : four foces each '^ 

Had wondrous ; as with stars their bodies all -•* - 

And wings Avere set with eyes, with eyes the wheels 

Of beryl, and careering fires between ; 756 

Over their heads a crystal firmament, 

Whereon a sapphire throne inlaid with pure ^. 

Amber and colors of the showery arch. S^ 

He in celestial panoply all armed 780 '' ' 

Of radiant Urim, work divinely wrought, '^ 

Ascended ; at his right hand Victory S» 

Sat eagle-Avinged ; beside him hung his bow 

And quiver with three-bolted thunder stored, 

And from about him fierce efilision rolled 766 

Of smoke and bickering flame and sparkles dire : 

Attended with ten thousand thousand saints 

He onward came, far off his coming shone ; 

And twenty thousand (I their number heard) 

Chariots of God, half on each hand, were seen. 770 

He on the wings of cherub rode sublime 

On the crystalline sky, in sapphire throned, 

Illustrious far and wide, but by his own . ■■ . ^-- 

Fii-st seen ; them unexpected joy surprised -y _ 

When the great ensign of Messiah blazed, "^1?$^ ^ ^-^ 

Aloft by angels borne, his sign in Heaven; \^ S;^ 

Under whose conduct Michael soon reduced 
His army, circumfi.ised on either wing. 
Under their Head embodied all in one. 
Before him power divine his way prepared ; 



\V;C 



"iQl.rndinnt Urim. See Exodus 771. on the toings of cherub. 

xxviii. 29. 30. See Psalm xviii. 10. 

766. bickering^ struggling ; quiv- 773. Illustrious., shining bright' 
ering. ly. ^ 

767. te7i thousand thousand 776. his sign in Heaven See 
saints. See ReTelation v. 11. Matthew xxiv. 30. 

769. tiventy thousand. " The 777. reduced., brought or ral- 

chariots of God are twenty thou- lied, 
sand, even thousands of angels." 
psalm Jxviii. 17. 



192 PARADISE LOST. [Book V 





At his command the uprooted hills retired _^^ 

Each to his place ; they heard his voice and went ■ ^-it<^ * 

Obsequious ; Heaven his wonted face renewed, 

And with fresh flowerets hill and valley smiled. 

This saw his hapless foes, but stood obdured, 

And to rebellious fight rallied their pov/ere 

Insensate, hope conceiving from despair. 

In heavenly spirits could such pervcrseness dwell, 

But to convince the proud Avhat signs avail, 

Or wonders move the obdurate to relent ? 

They, hardened more by what might most reclaim, 

Grieving to see his glory, at the sight 

Took envy ; and, aspiring to his height, 

Stood re-embattled fierce, by force or fi^aud 

Weening to prosper and at length prevail 

Against God and Messiah, or to fall 

In universal ruin last ; and now 

To final battle drcAv, disdaining flight 

Or faint retreat ; when the great Son of God 

To all his host on either hand thus spake : 800 

" ' Stand still In bright array, ye Saints ; here _^ 

stand, ' ' <,^ 

Ye Angels armed, this day from battle rest ! .^ ^^ 

Faithful hath been your warfare and of God 
.Accepted, fearless In his righteous cause ; 

And cis ye have received, so have ye done 805 ' '>i 

Invincibly ; but of this cursed crew 
The punishment to other hand belongs ; 
Vengeance Is his, or whose he sole appoints : 
Number to this day's work is not ordained, 
Nor multitude ; stand only and behold 810 

783. A(5, its. written, Vengeance is mine; I 

785. obrjured^ hardened. will repay, saith the Lord.' 

794. fraud, stratagem; arti- Romans xii. 19. — wAo.fe, belongs 
Gee. ' to him whom. 

795. Weening. See line 86. 81U. See Exodus xiv. 13. 
808. Vengeance is his. " It is 



Book VI.] PARADISE LOST. 193 

God's indignation on these godless poured 

By me ; not you, but me they have despised 

Yet envied ; against me is all their rage, 

Because the Father, to whom in Heaven supreme 

Kingdom, and power, and glory appertains, 815 

Hath honored me according to his will. 

Therefore to me their doom he hath assigned ; 

That they may have their wish, to try with me 

In battle which the stronger proves ; they all, 

Or I alone against them ; since by strength 820 

They measure all, of other excellence 

Not emulous, nor care Avho them excels ; 

Nor other strife Avith them do I vouchsafe.' 

" So spake the Son, and into terror changed 

His countenance, too severe to be beheld 825 

And full of wrath bent on his enemies. 

At once the Four spread out their starry wings 

With dreadful shade contiguous, and the orbs 

Of his fierce chariot rolled, as with the sound 

Of torrent floods or of a numerous liost. 830 

He on his impious foes right onward drove. 

Gloomy as night ; under his burning wheels 

The steadfast empyrean shook throughout. 

All but the throne itself of God. Full soon 

Among them he arrived, in his right hand 836 

Grasping ten thousand thunders, which he sent 

Before him, such as in their souls infixed 

Plagues; they, astonished, all resistance lost. 

All courage ; down their idle weapons dropped ; 

O'er shields and helms and helmed heads he rode &iO 

(>f thrones, and mighty seraphim prostrate. 

That wished the mountains now might be again 

815. See Matt. vi. 13. 842. That wishpcl. " They shall 

827. the Four. See line 752. say to the mountains, Cover ua* 

828. contiguous, so near as to and to the hills, Fall on ua " 
peet. Hosea x 8 

13 




194 PARADISE LOST. [Book VI 

Thrown on them as a shelter from his ire. 

Nor less on either side tempestuous fell 

His arrows from the fourfold- vis aged Four 

Distinct with eyes, and from the living wheels 

Distinct alike with multitude of eyes ; 

One spirit In them ruled, and every eye 

Glared lightning and shot forth pernicious fire 

Among the accursed, that withered all their strength 

And of their wonted vigor left them drained, 851 ^^^ ^i 

Exhausted, spiritless, afflicted, fallen. ""^^^^^g^ 

Yet half his strength he put not forth, but checked 5!**^ 

His thunder in mid volley ; for he meant ""^^ 

Not to destroy, but root them out of Heaven. 85fi ^S 

The overthrown, he raised, and as a herd 

Of goats or timorous flock together thronged 

Drove them before him thunder-struck, pursued 

With terrors and with furies to the bounds 

And crystal wall of Heaven, which opening wide 890 

Rolled inward, and a spacious gap disclosed 

Into the wasteful deep : the monstrous sight 

Struck them with horror backward, but fur woree 

Urged them behind ; headlong themselves they threw 

Down from the verge of Heaven ; eternal wrath 865 

Burned after them to the bottomless pit. •-: _^_^ 



" Hell heard the unsufTerable noise. Hell saw 
Heaven ruining from Heaven, and would have fled 
Affrighted ; but strict Fate had cast too deep 
Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound. 
Nine days they fell ; confounded Chaos roared, 
And felt tenfold confusion in their fall 
Through his wild anarchy, so huge a rout 
Encumbered him with ruin: Hell at last 

846. Distinct, spotted ; marked, wheels, were full of eyes rouud 

— with eyes. " And their whole about." Ezekiel x. 12. 

body, and their backs, aud their 868. ruining, failiug with ruin 

hands, and their wings, and the 867-877. See I. 4i-53. 




BookVi.j paradise lost. 196 

Yawning received tlieni whole, and on them closed ; 
Hell, their fit habitation, fraught with fire 876 

Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain. 
Disburdened Heaven rejoiced, and soon repaired 
Her mural breach, returning whence it rolled. 

" Sole victor, from the expulsion of his foes 880 

Messiah his triumphal chariot turned : 
To meet him all his saints, who silent stood 
Eye-Avitnesses of his almighty acts, 
With jubilee advanced; and as they went. 
Shaded with branching palm, each Order^bright 88P 
Sung triumph, and him sung victorious King, 
Son, Heir, and Lord, to him dominion given, 
Worthiest to reign : he celebrated rode 
Triumphant through mid Heaven into the courts 
And temple of his mighty Father throned 890 

On high ; who into glory him received, 
Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss. 

"Thus, measuring things in Heaven by things on 
Earth, 
At thy request and that thou raay'st beware 
By what is past, to thee I have revealed ^ 895 

What might have else to human race been hid ; 
The discord Avhich befel, and war in Heaven 
Among the angelic powers, and the deep fall 
Of those too high aspiring, who rebelled 
With Satan ; he who envies now thy state, 
Who now is plotting how he may seduce 
Thee also from obedience, that with him 
Bereaved of happiness thou may'st partake 
His punishment, eternal misery : 

888. celebrated, attended in 900. he, him. 
procession. 

892. at the right hand. See 
Hebrews i. 3. 




I 'J 6 PARADISE L OS T. [Book VI 

Whicli would be all his solace and revenge, 905 

As a despite done against the Most High, 

Thee once to gain companion of his woe. 

But listen not to his temptations ; warn 

Thy weaker ; let it profit thee to have heard, 

By terrible example, the reward 910 

Of disobedience ; firm they might have stood, 

Yet fell. Remember, and fear to transgress." 

909. Thy toeaker, " Giving weaker vessel." 1 Peter iii. 7. 
kctnor unto the wife, as unto the 



BOOK vn. 

THE ARGU31ENT. 

Raphael, at the request of Adam, relates how and wherefore thll 
world was first created ; that God, after the expelling of Satan and 
his angels ovit of Ileaven, declared his pleasure to create another 
world, and other creatures to dwell therein ; sends his Son with 
glory and attendance of angels to perform the work of creation in 
six days : the angels celebrate with hymns the performance there- 
of, and his reascension into Ileaven. 

Dp:scend from Heaven, Urania (by that name 

If rightly thou art called), whose voice divine 

Following, above the Olympian hill I soar, 

Above the flight of Pegasean wing ! 

The meaning, not the name, I call : for thou 6 

Nor of the Mnses nine, nor on the top 

Of old Olympus dwell'st ; but, heavenly born, 

Before the hills appeared or fountain flowed. 

Thou with eternal Wisdom didst converse. 

Wisdom thy sister, and with her didst play 10 

1. Urania was one of the nine ply the name, to signify the 

Muses ; she presided over Astron- source of the inspiration which T 

omy, the meaning of that name seek. 

being heavenly. Milton applies 8. Before the hills appeared or 

It to the heavenly ]\Iicse whom he fountain floxoed. " When there 

Lad invoked at first. See I. 6. were no depths, I (Wisdom) was 

3. the Olympian hill, Mount brought forth ; when there were 
Olympus, the seat of the gods. no fountains abounding with 

4. Pegasean iving. The winged water. Before the mountains 
horse Pegasus was sail to have were settled, before the hills was 
ascended to the seat of the im- I brought forth." Proverbs viii. 
mortals. 24. 25. 

5. The meaning, not the name 9. converse, associate. 

1 call. See lino 1. I invoke not 10. ivith her didst play.^ _ " I 

any heathen muse, whose high- was daily his delight, rejoicing 

est flight could never reach the always before him." Proverbs 

aeaven of heavens, though I ap- viii. 30. 



198 PARADISE LOST. [Book VII 

In presence of the almighty Father, pleased 

With thy celestial song. Up led by thee 

Into the heaven of heavens I have presumed, 

An earthly guest, and drawn empyreal air, 

Thy tempering ; with like safety guided down liS 

Return me to my native element ; 

Lest from this flying steed unreined, as once 

Bellerophon (though from a lower clime), 

Dismounted on the Aleian field I ftill, 

Erroneous there to wander and forlorn. 20 

Half yet remains unsung, but narrower bound 

Within the visible diurnal sphere ; 

Standing on earth, not rapt above the pole, 

More safe I sing with mortal voice, unchanged 

To hoarse or mute, though fallen on evil days, 35 

On evil days though fallen, and evil tongues. 

In darkness, and Avith dangers compassed round, 

And solitude ; yet not alone, while thou 

Visit'st my slumbers nightly or when morn 

Purples the east. Still govern thou my song, 30 

Urania, and fit audience find though few : 

But drive far off the barbarous dissonance 

15. Thy tempering, tempered toration of Charles II. to the 

by thee. English throne in 1660. This 

18-20. Bellerophon conquered event had destroyed Milton's 

the monster Ohimaera by the aid hopes for the establishment of a 

of Pegasus. Elated by his sue- republican form of government in 

cess, he attempted, it is said, to England, and for a time his life 

fly up into heaven on his winged was in danger, as he had been a 

Bteed. Jupiter, to punish his friend and adherent of Cromwell 

presumption, sent a gadfly to who had usurped the govem- 

sting Pegasus, and Bellerophon ment. His blindness was now 

was thrown to the earth. The total, and he sought safety in a 

fall made him both lame and retired life, 

blind, and he wandered discon- 29. nightly. See III. 29-32. 

Bolate over the Aleian fields, 30. govern, influence ; direct, 

avoiding the abodes of men. — 31. fit audience find, though 

erroneous, roving ; wandering. feiv. The number of those who 

21. Half, half of the poem. in such evil days would listen to 

23. rapt, caught up ; borne the song of the heavenly Muse 

aYfay. ^a^s small, though some feio still 

26-28. Milton here refers to the remained who were fit to hear 

times in which he lived. This her voice. 
Book was written after the Res- 



Book VII.] PARADIl^E LOST. 199 

Of Bacchus and Lis revellers, the race 

Of that wild rout that tore the Thracian bard 

In Rhodope-, where woods and rocks had ears 85 

To rapture, till the savage clamor drowned 

Both harp and voice ; nor could the Muse defend 

Her son. So fail not thou who thee implores ; 

For thou art heavenly, she an empty dream. 

Say, goddess, what ensued when Raphael, «o 

The affable Aix'hangel, had forewarned 
Adam by dire example to beware 
Apostasy, by what befell in Heaven 
To those apostates, lest the like befall 
In Paradise to Adam or his race 4fi 

(Charged not to touch the interdicted tree) 
If they transgress, and slight that sole command, 
So easily obeyed, amid the choice 
Of all tastes else to please their appetite. 
Though wandering. He with his consorted Eve 50 
The story heard attentive, and was filled 
With admiration and deep muse, to hear 
Of thino;s so hi^h and stranire, thinn;s to their thought 
So unimaginable as hate in Heaven, 
And war so near the peace of God in bliss 55 

With such confusion ; but the evil soon 

33-38. Orpheus, the Thracian his head into the llebrus, a rivet 

bard, was the son of Calliope, the which descended from Mount 

Muse who presided over epic Rlioilope to theses.. Milton, un- 

poetry. As he played upon the der these figures, may be describ- 

lyre given him by Apollo, noth- ing the dissolute coui-t of Charles 

ing could withstand the charm II., among whose followers such 

of his music. Not only men, but strains as his would stir up only 

also beasts, and even icootJs and cont>^mpt and ridicule. 

rocks were moved to f-zpture. 38. loho, him who. 

Having lost his wife Eurydice, he 41 affable. See V. 221. 

refused to be consoled. TheThra- 42. if icare. beware of. 

clan women, in revenge for the 46. interdicted., forbidden. Sm 

contempt with which he treated Genesis ii. IG, 17. See I. 2. 

them, and excited by the rites of 50. wandering., not fixed ; seek 

Bacchus, droicned b.ilk harp and ing variety. 

voice by their samite clanK^r, tore 52. admiration, wonder. — 

bim limb from limb, and threw viuse, meditation ; musing. 



200 PARADISE LOST. [Book Vn. 

Driven back redounded as a flood on those 

From whom it sprung, impossible to mix 

With blessedness. Whence Adam soon repealed 

The doubts that In his heart arose ; and now 6C 

Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know 

What nearer might concern hi in ; how this world 

Of heaven and earth conspicuous first began, 

When and whereof created, for what cause. 

What within Eden or Avithout was done 66 

Before his memory ; as one whose drought 

Yet scarce allayed still eyes the current stream 

Whose liquid murmur heard new thirst excites, 

Proceeded thus to ask his heavenly guest : , 

" Great things, and full of wonder in our ears, 70 
Far differing from this world, thou hast revealed, 
Divine interpreter, by favor sent 
Down from the empyrean to forewarn 
Us timely of what might else have been our loss, 74 
Unknown, which human knowledge could not reach : 
For which to the Infinitely Good we owe 
Immortal thanks, and his admonishment 
Receive, with solemn purpose to observe 
Immutably his sovran will, the end 
Of what Ave are. But since thou hast vouchsafed 80 
Gently for our instruction to Impart 
Things above earthly thought, which yet concerned 
Our knowing as to highest wisdom seemed, 
Deign to descend now lower, and relate 
What may no less perhaps avail us known ; 8b 



57- redounJed, flowed or rushed folds or makes ktiown. — by favor 

back. sent. See V. 219-245. 

69. repealed, recalled ; sup- 74. timely, in time. 
Dressed. 79. the end o/ivhat we are, thi 

63. conspicuous, open to the object of our being, 
eight. 81. Gently, courteously. 

67. current, running. 83. seemed, seemed good. 

72. interpreter, one who un- 85. known, when it is known. 



Book VII.] PARADISE LOST. 201 

How fiist began tills heaven, which we behold 

Distant so high, Avith moving fires adorned 

Innumerable, and this which yields or fills 

All space, the ambient air wide interfused 

Embracing round this florid earth ; what cause 30 

Moved the Creator, in his holy rest 

Through all eternity, so late to build 

In Chaos, and the work begun how soon 

Absolved ; if unforbid thou may'st unfold 

What we not to explore the secrets ask 96 

Of his eternal empire, but the more 

To magnify his works the more we know. 

And the great light of day yet wants to run 

Much of his race though steep ; suspense in heaven 

Held by thy voice, thy potent voice, he hears, lOO 

And longer will delay to hear thee tell 

His generation, and the rising birth 

Of Nature from the unapparent deep : 

Or if the star of evening and the moon 

Haste to thy audience, night with her will bring 105 

Silence, and sleep listening to thee will watch ; 

Or we can bid his absence, till thy song 

End, and dismiss thee ere the morning shine." 

Thus Adam his illustrious guest besought ; 
And thus the godlike angel answered mild : no 

" This also thy request, with caution asked, 
Obtain ; though to recount almighty works 
What words or tongue of seraph can suffice. 



89. interfused^ poured or 99. thorigh steep, though de 
spread between. scending to the horizon. 

90. foriil, covered with flow- 103. unapparent^ invir.ible, foi 
ers ; blooming. " darkness was upon the fsice of 

94. Absolved, finished. the deep." See Genesis i. 2. 

95. not to exi'lore, not niti-Amng 105. to thy audience, to hear 
^r seeking to explore. thoe. 

96. wants^ has left. 



B02 PARADISE LOST. [Book Vtt 

Or heart of man suffice to comiirehend ? 

Tet what thou canst attain, which best may serve 

To glorify the Maker and infer 116 

Thee also happier, shall not be withheld 

Thy hearing ; such commission from above 

I have received, to answer thy desire 

Of knowledge within bounds ; beyond abstain 120 

To ask, nor let thine own inventions hope 

Things not revealed, which the invisible King, 

Only omniscient, hath suppressed in night, 

To none communicable in Earth or Heaven ; 

Enough is left besides to search and know. 125 

But knowledge is as food, and needs no less 

Her temperance over appetite, to know 

In measure what the mind may well contain ; 

Oppresses else with surfeit, and soon turns 

Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind. 130 

" Know then, that after Lucifer from Heaven 
(So call him, brighter once amidst the host 
Of angels than that star the stars among) 
Fell with his flaming legions through the deep 
Into his place, and the great Son returned 135 

Victorious with his saints, the omnipotent 
Eternal Father from his throne beheld 
Their multitude, and to his Son thus spake : 

" ' At least our envious foe hath fiiiled, who thought 
All like himself rebellious, by whose aid 140 

This inaccessible high strength, the seat 

114. suffice, to comprtlfnU. 123. halk suppressed. " Th« 

" Such kuowledge is too wonder- secret things belong unto the 

ful for me; it is high, I cannot Lord our God." Deuteronomy 

attain unto it." Psalm cxxxix. 6. xxix. 29. 

IIG. ?■»/??■, make, or make by 127. tf.mperance, restraint, 

consequence. lo3. that star, the morningf 

117. withhflrf, withheld from. star, called Lucifer, the light^ 

121. To «5t. from asking. — bringer. See V. 70S. 
hope, hope to nach or diiscover. 



BookYII.] paradise lost. 203 

Of Deity supreme, us dispossessed, 
He trusted to have seized, and into fraud 
Drew many, whom their place knows here no more ; 
Yet far the greater part have kept, I see, 145 

Their station ; Heaven yet populous retains 
Number sufficient to possess her realms 
Though wide, and this high temple to frequent 
With ministeries due and solemn rites : 
But lest his heart exalt him in the harm 150 

Already done, to have dispeopled Heaven, 
My damage fondly deemed, I can repair 
That detriment, if such it be to lose 
Self-lost, and in a moment Avill create ^ 

Another world, out of one man a race 156 

Of men innumerable, there to dwell, 
Not here, till by degrees of merit raised 
They open to themselves at length the way 
Up hither, under long obedience tried, 
And Earth be changed to Heaven, and Heaven to 
Earth, 160 

One kingdom, joy and union without end. 
Meanwhile inhabit lax, ye powers of Heaven, 
And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee 
This I perform ; speak thou, and be it done : 
My overshadowing Sj)irit and might with thee 165 
I send along ; ride forth, and bid the deep 
Within appointed bounds be heaven and earth — 
Boundless the deep, because I am who fill 
Infinitude, nor vacuous the space. 

142 «5 t/f.^ossesstd, we having 149. w/«f5/ert>5, ministries, 
been dispossessed. This is a 152. Mij dnnim^e fondly d-eem- 

Latiuism The objective case is f«/, vainly considered as iiyurj 

made absolute inst^ead of the done to me. 
nominative, which is more com- 162. inhabit 'ax, dwell at large, 

mon in English. with ample room. 

liS. fraud, treachery; rebel- 1G8. lam. Sw Exodus iii. 14 
lion. 169. Another construction di- 

144. " Neither shall his place vides the sentence at Infinitude, 

tcow him any more." Job vii putting a comma after .varf, and 

\0. a semicolon after not, line 172. 



204 PARADISE LOST. [Book VII 

Though I uncircumscribed myself retire, 170 

And put not forth my goodness which is free 
To act or not, necessity and chance 
Approach not me, and what I will is fate.' 

" So spake the Almighty, and to what he spake 
His Word, the filial Godhead, gave effect. 175 

Immediate are the acts of God, more swift 
Than time or motion, but to human ears 
Cannot without process of si^eech be told, 
So told as earthly notion can receive. 
Great triumph and rejoicing was in Heaven, 180 

When such was heard declared the Almighty's will ; 
Glory they sung to the Most High, good-will 
To future men, and in their dwellings peace ; 
Glory to him whose just avenging ire 
Had driven out the ungodly from his sight 185 

And the habitations of the just ; to him 
Glory and praise, whose wisdom had ordained 
Good out of evil to create, instead 
Of spirits malign a better race to bring 
Into their vacant room, and thence diffuse 19C 

His good to worlds and ages infinite. 

" So sang the Hierarchies. Meanwhile the Son 
On his great expedition now appeared. 
Girt with omnipotence, with radiance crowned 
Of majesty divine, sapience and love 195 

Immense, and all his Father in him shone. 
About his chariot numberless were poured 
Cherub and Seraph, Potentates and Thrones, 
And Virtues, winged spirits, and chariots winged 

170. myself retire^ withdraw highest, and on earth peace, good 

myself. will toward men." Luke ii. 14 

17G. Immediate. '' lie spake, 192. Hierarchies, orders of an- 

md it was done ; he command- geln. 
ed, and it stood fast." Psalm 195. sapience, wisdom, 
xxxiii. 9. 199 Virtues, one of the crderi 

182, 183. " Glory to God in the of celestial beings. See V. 601. 



Bookvil] paradise lost. 205 

From the armory of God, where stand of old 300 

Myriads between two brazen mountains lodged, 

Against a solemn day harnessed at hand, 

Celestial equipage ; and now came forth 

Spontaneous, for within them spirit lived. 

Attendant on their Lord : Heaven opened wide 20fi 

Her ever-during gates, harmonious sound 

On golden hinges moving, to let forth 

The King of glory, in his powerful Word 

And Spirit coming to create new worlds. 

On heavenly ground they stood, and from the shoi-e 

They viewed the vast immeasurable abyss 211 

Outrageous as a sea, dark, wasteful, wild, 

Up from the bottom turned by furious winds 

And surging waves, as mountains, to assault 214 

Heaven's height, and with the centre mix the pole. 

" ' Silence, ye troubled waves, and thou deep, 
peace ! ' 
Said then the omnific Word ; ' your discord end ! ' 
Nor stayed, but, on the wings of cherubim 
Uplifted, in paternal glory rode 

Far into Chaos and the world unborn ; 220 

For Chaos heard his voice. Him all his train 
Followed in bright procession, to behold 
Creation and the wonders of his might. 
Then stayed the fervid wheels, and in his hand 
He took the golden compasses, prepared 225 

In God's eternal store, to circumscribe 

20\. brazen movntains. "And 208. The Kins; of glory. See 

I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, Psalm xxiv. 7-10. 
and looked, and behold, there 214. It is suppcsed that the 

came four chariots out from be- poet may hare dictated In in- 

tween two mountains ; and the ste^A oi And . — crs, like. 
mountains were mountains of 217. omnijic^ all-making, 
krass." Zechariah Ti. 1. 221. /(^ar</, heard and obeyed. 

204. within them spirit lived. 224. fervid, glowing 
" Whithersoever the spirit was 226. store, treasury or treas 

to go, they went; thither was \xre. — circumscribe, draw a lint 

their spirit to go." Ezekiel i. 20. around, so as to include. 



206 PARADISE LOST. [Book Vfl 

This universe and all created things : 

One foot he centred, and the other turned 

Round through the vast profundity obscure, 

And said, ' Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds, 23G 

This be thy just circumference, O World ! ' 

" Thus God the heaven created, thus the earth, 
Matter unformed and void : darkness profound 
Covered the abyss ; but on the watery calm 
His brooding wings the Spirit of God outspread, 235 
And vital virtue infused and vital warmth 
Throughout the fluid mass, but downward purged 
The black, tartareous, cold, infernal dregs, 
Adverse to life : then founded, then conglobed 
Like things to like, the rest to several place 240 

Disparted, and between spun out the air ; 
And Earth self-balanced on her centre hung. 

" ' Let there be light ! ' said God, and forthwith 
light 
Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure, 
Sprung from the de^p, and from her native east 245 
To journey through the aery gloom began. 
Sphered in a radiant cloud, for yet the sun 
Was not ; she in a cloudy tabernacle 
Sojourned the Avhile. God saw the light was good ; 
And light from darkness by the hemisphere 250 

227. This universe^ this world those things tliat could consist 

of heaven and earth. with each other. 

23.3-2.35. " And the earth was 240. ilie rest.^ those which could 

without form, and void; and not thus he founded and con- 

darkness was upon the foce of globed. — several., separate ; dis- 

the deep. And the Spirit of God tinct. 

moved upon the foce of the wat- 24-3-252. See Genesis i. 3-5. 

trs." Genesi.s i. 2. 248. tabernacle., tent ; tempo- 

236. virtue, power. rary abode. 

237. purged, separated. 250. by the hemisphere. As the 
239. then founded, then con- earth is round, one hilf or one 

globed, then melted or run to- heniis]phere must b<» dark while 
gether, and afterwards formed the other is light. 
\jito a mass like things to like, 



600K YILl PARADISE LOST. 2«j7 

Divided : light tlie day, and darkness night 

He named. " Ihus was the first day even and morn ; 

Nor passed uncelebrated, nor unsung^ 

By the celestial quires, when orient light 

Exhaling fii-st from darkness they beheld, 256 

Birthday of heaven and earth ; with joy and shout 

The holloAv univereal orb they filled, 

And touched their golden harps, and hynming praised 

God and his works ; Creator him they sung, 

Both when first evening was, and when first morn. 

» Again God said, ' Let there be firmament 261 
Amid the watei^s, and let it divide 
The waters from the waters.' And God made 
The firmament, expanse of liquid, pure, 
Transparent, elemental air, diffused 265 

In circuit to the uttermost convex 
Of this great round ; partition firm and sure, 
The waters underneath from those above 
Dividing ; for as earth, so he the world ^ 
Built on circumfluous waters calm, in wide 270 

Crystalline ocean, and the loud misrule 
Of Chaos far removed, lest fierce extremes 
Contiguous might distemper the whole frame ; 
And heaven he named the firmament : so even 
And morning chorus sung the second day. 275 

" The earth was formed ; but in the womb as yet 
Of waters embryon immature involved, 

257. U7iiversal orb, sphere fore morn, as in Genesis i., the 

which, according to the ancient Hebrews having considered the 

astronomy, contained the earth day to hegm at sunset. 

aiid all tlie heavenly bodies. 261-275. See Genesis i. 6-8. 

253-260. " When the morning 270. circumjivous, llowing 

stars sang together, and all the round. 

ions of God shouted for joy."' 273. Contiguous, coming bo 

Job xxsviii. 7. near as to touch or stnfee each 

260. evening Is mentioned be- other. 



808 PARADISE LOST. [Book VII. 

Appeared not : over all the face of earth 

Main ocean flowed, not idle, but with warm 

Prolific humor softening all her globe 280 

Fermented the great mother to conceive, 

Satiate with genial moisture ; when God said, 

' Be gathered now, ye waters under heaven, 

Into one place, and let dry land appear ! ' 

Immediately the mountains huge appear 286 

Emergent, and their broad bare backs upheave 

Into the clouds, their tops ascend the sky. 

So high as heaved the tumid hills, so low 

Down sunk a hollow bottom broad and deep, 

Capacious bed of waters : thither they 290 

Hasted with glad precipitance, uprolled 

As drops on dust conglobing from the dry ; 

Part rise in crystal wall, or ridge direct. 

For haste ; such flight the great command impressed 

On the swift floods. As armies at the call 296 

Of trumpet (for of armies thou hast heard) 

Troop to their standard, so the watery throng. 

Wave rolling after wave, where way they found ; 

If steep, with torrent rapture ; if through plain, 

Soft-ebbing : nor withstood them rock or hill ; 300 

But. they, or underground, or circuit wide 

With serpent error wandering, foimd their way, 

And on the washy ooze deep channels wore ; 

Easy, ere God had bid the ground be dry, 

279. Main, vast. thy thunder they hasted away.»» 

280. Inimor, moisture. Psahii civ. 7. 

288-308. See Genesis i. 9, 10, 299. torrent, rushing.— rapfz/re, 

286. Emergent, rising out of violence ; violent rapidity, 

the waters. 801. or underground , or circuit 

288. So high — so low. See wide, either underground or in 

Psalm civ. 8, 9. wide circuit. 

291. precipitance, 'h-d.&iQ ; head- 302. serpent, winding ; serpent 

ong flow. like. — error, irregular course. 

29S. direct, perpendicular; 303. ooze, soft mud or slime, 

steep. 304. Easy, which it was easy 

294. such flight. "At thy re- an easy thing, to do. 
buke they fled ; at the voice of 



BookYII.] paradise lost. 209 

All but within those banks, where rivei-s now 805 

Stream, and perpetual draw their humid train. 

The dry land, earth, and the great receptacle 

Of congi-egated waters he called seas ; 

And saw that it was good, and said, ' Let the earth 

Put forth the verdant grass, herb yielding seed, 310 

And fruit-tree yielding fruit after her kind, 

>Yliose seed is in hei-self upon the earth.' 

He scarce had said, when the bare earth, till then 

Desert and bare, unsightly, unadorned. 

Brought forth the tender grass, whose verdure clad 

Her universal face with pleasant green ; 316 

Then herbs of every leaf, that sudden flowered 

Opening their various colors, and made gay 

Her bosom smelling sweet ; and these scarce blown. 

Forth flourished thick the clustering vine, forth crept 

The swelling gourd, up stood the corny reed 321 

Embattled in her field, and the humble shrub, 

And bush with frizzled hair implicit : last 

Rose as in dance the stately trees, and spread 

Their branches hung with copious fruit, or gemmed 

Their blossoms. AVith high woods the hills were 

croAvned, 326 

With tufts the valleys and each fountain side. 
With borders long the rivers ; that Earth now 
Seemed like to Heaven, a seat where gods might 

dwell, 
Or wander with delight, and love to haunt 33C 

Her sacred shades : though God had yet not rained 
Upon the earth, and man to till the ground 
None was ; but from the earth a dewy mist 
Went up and watered all the ground, and each 

307. earth, he called earth. 322. Embattled, as in order of 

309-312. Sec Genesis i. 11, 12. battle. 
314. Desert, uncultivatea. 32.3 implicit, entangled. 

821. the corny reed, the jointed 325. g-mived. put forth, 
stem of corn (gi-aiu). 328. thai, so that. 



331-337 See Genesis ii. 5, 6 



14 



210 PARADISE LOS 7 [Book VII 

Plant of tlie field, which ere it was in the earth 836 
God made, and every herb before it grew 
On the green stem. God saw that it was good : 
So even and morn recorded the third day. 

" Again the Ahiiighty spake : — ' Let there be 
lights 
High in the expanse of heaven, to divide 340 

The day from night ; and let them be for signs, 
For seasons, and for days, and circling years ; 
And let them be for lights, as I ordain 
Their office in the firmament of heaven, 
To give light on the earth ; ' and it was so. 345 

And God made tv/o great lights, great for their use 
To man, the greater to have rule by day. 
The less by night, altern ; and made the stars, 
And set them in the firmament of heaven 
To illuminate the earth, and rule the day 350 

In their vicissitude, and rule the night, 
And light from darkness to divide. God saw, 
Surveying his great work, that it was good : 
For of celestial bodies first the sun 
A mighty sphere he framed, unlightsome first, 355 

Though of ethereal mould ; then formed the moon 
Globose, and every magnitude of stars, 
And sowed with sf trs the heaven thick as a field. 
Of light by far thi greater part he took, 
Transplanted from her cloudy shrine, and placed 360 
In the sun's orb, made porous to receive 
And drink the liquid light, firm to retain 
Her gathered beams, great palace now of light. 
Ulther, as to their fountain, other stars 

339-353 See Genesis i. 14:-18. 360. her cloudy shrine. Sec 

348. altern^ alternate. line 248. 

855 unlightsome, wanting 363. Her refers' to llg\t 

^ght. 864. other stais, the planets, 

867. Globose, spherical. which shine by light reflected 

from the sun. 



Book VII.] PARADISE LOST. 211 

Repairing in their golden urns draw light, 86fl 

And hence the morning planet gilds her horns : 

By tincture or reflection they augment 

Their small peculiar, though, from hmnan sight 

So far remote, Avith diminution seen. 

First in his east the glorious lamp was seen, 87<! 

Regent of day, and all the horizon round 

Invested with bright rays, jocund to run 

His longitude through heaven's high road ; the gi<»y 

Dawn and the Pleiades before him danced 

Shedding sweet influence. Less bright the moon, 376 

But opposite in levelled west was set, 

His mirror, with full face boiTOwing her light 

From him, for other light she needed none 

In that aspect, and still that distance keeps 

Till night, then in the east her turn she shines, 380 

Revolved on heaven's great axle, and her reign 

With thousand lesser lights dividual holds. 

With thousand thousand stars, that then appeared 

Spangling the hemisphere. Then, first adorned 

With her bright luminaries that set and rose, 886 

Glad evening and glad morn crowned the fourth day. 

366. the mornins: planet. SeeV. east to we?t. "His going forth 

166-170. — her horns. A'euus, seea is from the end of the heaven, 

through the telescope, appears at and his circuit unto the ends 

certain times, when either nioru- thereof " Psalm xix. 6. 

Ing or evening star, crescent- 374. the Pleiades are a cluster 

ihaped like the moon. of stars in the constellation Tau- 

867. tincture., communication ; rus. 

receiving into themselves by ab- 375. sioeet influence. " Canst 

lorption. thou bind the sweet influences 

368. per?/;;ar, exclusive proper- of the Pleiades ? " Job xxxviii. 

ty ; what is specially their own 31. 

— the Latin " peculium." 376. levelled ivest, the western 

372. Invested, clothed. — joe- horizon. 

und to rnn. '' In them hath he 377. His mirror., reflecting his 

set a tabernacle for the sun ; rays. 

which is as a bridegroom coming 379. that u'^pect, that situation 

out of his chamber, and rejoiceth with regard to the sun ; here, in 

a£ a strong man to run a race, opposition. 

Psalm xix. 4, 5. 380. her turn., in her turn. 

373. longitude, distance from 382 dividual, divided ; shared 



212 PARADISE L OS T. [Booa. VII 

" And God said, ' Let the watei-s generate 
Reptile with spawn abundant, living soul ; 
And let fo^vl fly above the earth, with wings 
Displayed on the open firmament of heaven.' 890 

And God created the great whales, and each 
Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously 
The waters generated by their kinds. 
And every bird of wing after his kind ; 
And saw that it was good, and blessed them, saying, 
' Be fruitful, multiply, and in the seas, 396 

And lakes, and running streams, the waters fill : 
And let the fowl be multiplied on the earth.' 
Forthwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay. 
With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals 400 

Of fish, that Avith their fins and shining scales 
Glide under the green wave, in sculls that oft 
Bank the mid sea : part single or with mate 
Graze the sea-weed, their pasture, and through 

groves 
Of coral stray, or sporting with quick glance 405 

Show to the sun their waved coats dropt with gold, 
Or in their pearly shells at ease attend 
Moist nutriment, or under rocks their food 
In jointed armor watch ; on smooth the seal 
And bended dolj^hins play ; part huge of bulk 410 
Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait, 
Tempest the ocean. There leviathan, 
Hugest of living creatures, on the deep 

387-448. See Genesis i. 20-23. mor anciently worn by knights. 

388. The word reptile is here — smooth, smooth wnter. 

used for " every li\ing creature 410. bnvled dolphins. The 

that moveth, which the waters dolphin forms an arch with his 

brought forth. " body as he leaps out of the water 

402. sculls, shoals or schools. and immediately dives again be- 

403. Bank, rise in banks in neath its surface. 

405. glance, Hash ; gleam. 412. Tempest, disturb as by a 

406. droj/t, variegated ; spotted, tempestuous ynnd. — Leviathan. 

407. attend, he in wait for. " There is that leviathan, whom 
<M)0. jointed armor. The shell thou hast made to play therein.' 

of the lobster resembles the ar- Psahn civ. 26. 



Book VII.] PARADISE LOST. 213 

Stretched like a promontory, sleeps or swims, 

And seems a moving land, and at his gills 416 

Di*aws in, and at his trunk spouts out, a sea. 

Meanwhile the tepid caves, and fens, and shores, 

Their brood as numerous hatch fi'om the egg, that soon 

Bureting with kindly rupture forth disclosed 419 

Their callow young ; but feathered soon and fledge 

They summed their pens, and soaring the air sublime 

With clang despised the ground, under a cloud 

In prospect ; there the eagle and the stork 

On cliffs and cedar tops their eyries build. 

Part loosely Aving the region, part more wise 425 

In common, ranged in figure, wedge their way, 

Intelligent of seasons, and set forth 

Their aery caravan, high over seas 

Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing 

Easing their flight ; so steers the prudent crane 430 

Her annual voyage, borne on winds ; the air 

Floats, as they pass, fanned with unnumbered plumes. 

From branch to branch the smaller birds with song 

Solaced the woods, and spread their painted wings 

Till even ; nor then the solemn nightingale 4r6 

Ceased warbling, but all night tuned her soft lays. 

Others on silver lakes and rivers bathed 

Their downy breast ; the swan, with arched neck 

Between her white wings mantling proudly, rows 

414. Stretched like a prom on- ranks arranged in the form of a 

tonj. See I. 200-208. wedge, one bird leading to cut 

419. rupture, the act of break- the air. As this is fatiguing, the 
lag. first bird soon falls back and an- 

420. fledge, fledged. other takes his place. Thus with 

421. summed t'leir pens. This mutual wing they ease their 
is a term of falconry. Pens means flight. 

wing - feathers, and the whole 427. Intelligent of seasons. 

lignifies had their feathers full- " Yea, the stork in the heaven 

grown. — sublinie, on hish. knoweth her appointed times; 

423. prospect, view ; distant and the turtle and the crane and 

riew. — there, in such or these the swallow observe the time of 

high places, the air sublime. their coming." Jeremiah viii. ". 

425. loosely, separately. 434. Solaced, cheered. 

426. Birds of passage fly in 439 mantling. This also is a 



214 PARADISE LOST. [Book VII 

Her state with oary feet ; yet oft they quit 440 

The dank, and rising on stiff pennons tower 
The mid aerial sky. Others on ground 
Walked firm ; the crested cock whose clarion sounds 
The silent hours, and the other Avhose gay train 
Adorns him, colored with the florid hue 445 

Of rainbows and starry eyes. The Avaters thus 
With fish replenished, and the air with fowl, 
Evening and morn solemnized the fifth day. 

" The sixth, and of creation last, arose 
With evening harps and matin ; Avhen God said, 450 
' Let the earth bring forth soul living in her kind, 
Cattle, and creeping things, and beast of the earth, 
Each in their kind.' The earth obeyed, and straight 
Opening her fertile womb teemed at a birth 
Innumerous living creatures, perfect forms, 455 

Limbed and full grown ;f out of the ground up rose, 
As from his lair, the wild beast where he wons 
In forest wild, in thicket, brake, or den ; 
Among the trees in pairs they rose, they walked, 
The cattle in the fields and meadows green ; 460 

Those rare and solitary, these in flocks 
Pasturing at once and in broad herds up sprung. 
The grassy clods now calved ; now half appeared 
The tawny lion, pawing to get free 464 

His hinder parts, then springs as broke from bondsj 
And rampant shakes his brinded mane ; the ounce, 
The libbard, and the tiger, as the mole 
Rising, the crumbled earth above them threw 
In hillocks ; the swift stag from under ground 469 

term of falconry, signifying that 444. the other, the ether cock ; 

the wings ai-e raised so as to form the peacock, 
a sort of mantle for the back. 450-408. See Genesis i. 24, 25. 
In this line, the comma should 454. teemed, poured out. 
perhaps be put after mantling 457. wons, dwells ; abides. 
father than jiroiidly. 461. Those — these. See linei 

440. state, stately pomp. 457, 4G0. 

441. pennons. See II. 933. 466. rampant, bounding. 

467. libbard, leopard. 



Boor VII.] PARADISE LOST. 215 

Bore up Lis branching head ; scarce from his mould 

Behemoth, biggest born of earth, upheaved 

His vastness ; fleeced the flocks and bleating rose, 

As plants ; ambiguous between sea and land 

The river horse and scaly crocodile. 

At once came forth whatever creeps the ground, 475 

Insect or worm ; those waved their limber fans 

For wings, and smallest lineaments exact 

In all the liveries decked of summer's pride 

With spots of gold and purple, azure and green ; 

These as a line their long dimension drew, 480 

Streaking the ground with sinuous trace ; not all 

Minims of Nature ; some of serpent kind. 

Wondrous in length and corpulence, involved 

Their snaky folds and added wings. First crept 

The parsimonious emmet, provident 485 

Of future, in small room large heart enclosed ; 

Pattern of just equality perhaps 

Hereafter, joined in her popular tribes 

Of commonalty : swarming next appeared 

The female bee, that feeds her husband drone 490 

Deliciously, and builds her waxen cells 

With honey stored. The rest are numberless, 

And thou their natures know'st, and gav'st them 

names. 
Needless to thee repeated ; nor unknown 
The serpent, subtlest beast of all the field, 495 

471. Behemoth is here used as 482. Minims, smallest forms, 
the name of the elephant, though 483. corpulence, bulk. — m- 

Jn the book of Job (xl. 15-24) it voiced, twisted ; entangled. 
Is the hippopotamus or river- 484. added uung<>, as the drag 

horse of the Nile. on and other fabulous serpents. 

476. t/«o5P, insects. — fans, not — « (We (^/ is here a verb. 

wings, because not feathered. 485. The parsimonious emmet. 

477. lineaments, outlines of the See Proverbs vi. 6-8. 

shape, as representing the body. 493. gav'st them names. See 

fcee V. 278. Genesis ii. 19, 20. 

478. liveries, forms of dress or 495. subtlest beast. " Now the 
farb. — decked, if connected with serpent ivas more subtle than any 
waved, agrees with tliose. beast of the field which the liOrd 

480. these. See worm, in line had made." Genesis ill 1. 
*76. 



216 PARADISE LOST. [Book VU 

Of Luge extent sometimes, with brazen eyes 
And hairy mane terrific, though to thee 
Not noxious, but obedient at thy call. 

" Now heaven in all her glory shone, and rolled 
Her motions, as the great first Mover's hand 500 

First wheeled their course ; earth In her rich attire 
Consummate lovely smiled ; air, water, earth. 
By fowl, fish, beast, was flown, was swum, waa 

walked 
Frequent : and of the sixth day yet remained. 
There wanted yet the master work, the end 505 

Of all yet done ; a creature who, not prone 
And brute as other creatures but endued 
With sanctity of reason, might erect 
His stature, and upright with front serene 
Govern the rest, self-knowing, and from thence 510 
Magnanimous to correspond Avith Heaven, 
But grateftd to acknowledge whence his good 
Descends, thither with heart and voice and eyes 
Directed in d<^votion, to adore 
And Avorship God supreme, who made him chief 
Of all his works : therefore the omnipotent 616 

Eternal Father (for where is not he 
Present ?) thus to his Son audibly spake : 

" ' Let us make now Man in our Image, Man 
II our similitude, and let them rule 520 

Over the fish and fowl of scd, and air, 
Beast of the field, and over all the earth. 
And every creeping thing that creeps the ground.* 
This said, he formed thee, Adam, thee, O Man, 
Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breathed 525 

504. Frequent, crowded ; 511. Mnsimnlmous, sufficient' 

thronged. ly grca t of mind. 

606. prone, with the face down- 519-534. See Genesi.s i. 20-28. 
^ard. 625. Dust of the ground. "And 



BookVIL] paradise lost. 217 

The breath of Hfe ; in his own Image he 

Created thee, In the image of God 

Express, and thou becam'st a living soul. 

Male he created thee, but thy consort 

Female, for race ; then blessed mankind, and said, 

' Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth ; 531 

Subdue it, and throughout dominion hold 

Over fish of the sea, and fowl of the air, 

And every living thing that moves on the earth.* 

Wherever thus created, for no place 535 

Is yet distinct by name, thence, as thou know'st, 

He brought thee into this delicious grove. 

This garden, planted with the trees of God, 

Delectable both to behold and taste ; 

And freely all their pleasant fruit for food 54D 

Gave thee ; all sorts are here that all the earth yields, 

Variety without end ; but of the tree, 

Which tasted works knowledge of good and evil, 

Thou may'st not ; in the day thou eat'st, thou diest ; 

Death is the penalty imposed ; beware, 545 

And govern well thy appetite, lest Sin 

Surprise thee, and her black attendant Death. 

" Here finished he, and all that he had made 
Viewed, and behold, all was entirely good : 
So even and morn accomplished the sixth day ; 560 
Yet not till the Creator from his work 
Desisting, though unwearied, up returned. 
Up to the heaven of heavens, his high abode, 

the Lord God formed man of the 53b. This garden. See Genesis 

dust of the ground, and breathed ii. 8. 

into his nostrils the breath of 539. Delectable " Every tree 

life ; and man became a living that is pleasant to the sight, and 

soul." Genesis ii. 7. good for food." Genesis ii. 9. 

528. £'.r;'r^s.<t, as a copy or hke- 544. Thou viaij'st not. See 

less ; the adjective agrees with Genesis ii. 16, 17. 
tmas:e, as in Hebrews i. 3, " the 549. all was entirely good 

express image." "And God saw every thing that 

535. Wherever^ in what place he had made, and, behold, it 

soever thou wast. was very good.'- Genesis i 31. 



218 PARADISE LOST. [Book VII 

Thence to behold this new-created world, 

The addition of his empire, how it showed 656 

In prospect from his throne, how good, how fair, 

Answering his great idea. Up he rode. 

Followed with acclamation and the sound 

Symphonious of ten thousand harps that tuned 

Angelic harmonies : the earth, the air 560 

Resounded (thou remember'st, for thou heard'st), 

The heavens and all the constellations rung, 

The planets in their station listening stood. 

While the bright pomp ascended jubilant. 

Open, ye everlasting gates ! ' they sung, 666 

' Open, ye heavens, your living doors ! let in 
The great Creator from his work returned 
Magnificent, his six da}'s' work, a world : 
Open, and henceforth oft ; for God will deign 
To visit oft the dwellings of just men 570 

Delighted, and with frequent intercourse 
Thither will send his winded messenfiers 
On errands of supernal g.-ace.' So sung 
The glorious train ascending. He through Heaven, 
That opened Avide her blazing portals, led 575 

To God's eternal house direct the way, 
A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold 
And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear. 
Seen in the galaxy, that milky way. 
Which nightly as a circling .lone thou seest 68G 

Powdered with stars. And now on earth the seventh 
Evening arose in Eden, for the sun 
Was set, and twilight from the east came on. 
Forerunning n,ight ; when at the holy mount 

556. In prospect, In view. of glory shall come in," Psalm 

562. See Job xxxviii. 7. xxiv. 7. 

^64. /lo/??;!, procession. 575. her blazing portals. Se« 

565. " Lift up your heads, line 206. 

ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye 581. Powdered with stars. Sea 

•Terlasting doors, and the King line 356. — the seventh. See Qeii' 
esis ii. 1-.3 



Book VII.] PARADISE LOST. 219 

Of Heaven's liigix seated top, the Inipcrial throne 585 

Of Godhead, fixed forever firm and sure, 

The filial Power arrived, and sat him down 

With his great Father, for he also went 

Invisible, yet stayed (such privilege 

Hath Omnipresence), and the work ordained, 590 

Author and end of all things, and from work 

Now resting blessed and hallowed the seventh day, 

As resting on that day from all his work ; 

But not in silence holy kept : the harp 

Had work and rested not ; the solemn pipe 595 

And dulcimer, all organs of sweet stop, ^ 

All sounds on fret by string or golden wire, 

Tempered soft tunings intermixed with voice 

Choral or unison : of incense clouds 

Fuming from golden censers hid the mount. ^ 

Creation and the six days' acts they sung : 

' Great are thy works, Jehovah ! infinite 

Thy power; what thought can measure thee, or 

tongue 
Relate thee ? greater now in thy return 
Than from the giant angels ; thee that dav eOb 

Thy thunders magnified ; but to create 
Is greater than created to destroy. 
Who can impair thee, mighty King, or bound 
Thy empire V Easily the proud attempt 
Of spirits apostate and their counsels vain 610 

Thou hast repelled, wh'.le Impiously they thought 
Thee to diminish, and fiom thee Avithdraw 
The number of thy worshippers. Who seeks 

592. hnllowed the seventh day. 596. stop, that which regulates 

'For in six days the Lord made the sound of wind-instruments, 
the heaven and earth, the sea, 597.. /"/"f/ is the cross division, 

and ail that in them is, and rest- or wire, which regulates tti« 

ed the seventh day : wherefore sound of stringed iustruments, 

the Lord blessed the sabbath day or varies their tone. 
\nA hallowed it." Exodus xx. 598. <ew/wf(/, made to accoid 
11. In this line, the last two 599. m«(So?», sounding alone 
words seem to make one foot. 



220 PARADISE LOST. [Book VII. 

To lessen thee, against bis purpose serves 

To manifest the more thy might : his evil 616 

Thou usest, and from thence creat'st more good. 

Witness this new-made World, another heaven 

From Heaven-gate not far, founded in view 

On the clear hyaline, the glassy sea ; 

Of amplitude almost immense, with stars 630 

Numerous, and every star perhaps a world 

Of destined habitation ; but thou know'st 

Their seasons : among these the seat of men. 

Earth with her nether ocean cireumfuscd, 624 

Their pleasant dwelling-place. Thrice happy men, 

And sons of men, whom God hath thus advanced, 

Created in his image, there to dwell 

And worship him, and in reward to rule 

Over his works, on earth, in sea, or air. 

And multiply a race of worshippers 630 

Holy and just; thrice happy, if they know 

Their happiness, and persevere upright ! ' 

" So sung they, and the empyrean rung 
With hallelujahs: thus was sabbath kept. 
And thy request think now fulfilled, that asked 635 
How first this world and face of things began. 
And what before thy memory was done 
From the beginning, that posterity 
Informed by thee might know ; if else thou seek'st 
Aught, not surpassing human measure, say." 6i0 

619. /?yrtZmc, composed of glass. 624. nether, lower. See line 

' And 1 saw as it were a sea of 268. 

glosS; mingled with, fire." Rev. 633. empyrean, the highest 

XV. 2. heaven, composed of the purest 

^0. immense, vdthout meas- element. See 11. 771 
on. 



BOOK vm. 

TIIE ARGUMENT 

hltUA inquires concerning celestial motions ; is doubtfully answenjd. 
and exhorted to search rather things more worthy of knowledge : 
Adam assents, and, still desirous to detain Raphael, relates to 
him what he remembered since his own creation, his placing in 
Paradise, his talk with God concerning solitude and fit society, hia 
first meeting and nuptials with Eve ; his discourse with the angel 
thereupon, who, after admonitions repeated, departs. 

The angel endetl, and In Adam's ear 
So charming left his voice, that he awhile 
Thought him still speaking, still stood fixed to hear ; 
Then, as new waked, thus gratefully replied : 

" What thanks sufficient, or what recompense 5 
Equal, have I to render thee, divine 
Historian, who thus largely hast allayed 
The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsafed 
This friendly condescension to relate 
Things else by me unsearchable, now heard 10 

With wonder but delight, and, as is due. 
With glory attributed to the high 
Creator ? Something yet of doubt remains, 
Which only thy solution can resolve. 
When I behold this goodly frame, this World, 16 

3. stood fixed to hear. This maic. Thi'^ supposed the Earth 

seems to mean, remained fixed to be the centre, herself motion- 

B.8 if listening less or sedentary, round which 

15-^. Adam is here made to the Sun, the planets, and th« 

propose the difficulties which be- fixed stars revolved. See III. 481- 

»et the ancient system of Astron- 483. 
omy, commonly called the Ptole- 



522 PARADISE LOST. [Book YIH 

Of heaven and earth consisting, and compute 

Their magnitudes, this earth a spot, a grain, 

An atom, with the firmament compared 

And all her numbered stars, that seem to roll 

Spaces incomprehensible (for such 20 

Their distance argues and their swift return 

Diurnal) merely to officiate light 

Round this opacous earth, this punctual spot, 

One day and night, in all their vast survey 

Useless besides ; — reasoning, I oft admire v 

How Nature, Avise and frugal, could commit 

Such disproportions, with superfluous hand 

So many nobler bodies to create, 

Greater so manifold, to this one use. 

For aught appears, and on their orbs impose 83 

Such restless revolution, day by day 

Repeated, while the sedentary earth. 

That better might with far less compass move, 

Served by more noble than herself, attains 

Her end Avithout least motion, and receives, 32 

As tribute, such a sumless journey brought 

Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light ; 

Speed, to describe whose swiftness number fails." 

So spake our sire, and by his countenance seemed 
Entering on studious thoughts abstruse ; which Eve 
Perceiving where she sat retired in sight, 41 

With lowliness majestic from her seat, 
And grace that won who saw to wish her stay. 
Rose, and went forth among her fruits and flowers, 

19. numbered, mmierous, 29. Greater so manifold, eo 

20. Spaces, through spaces. many times gi-eater. 

22. officiate, supply as it is 30. aught, aught that, 
their office or duty to do. 33. compass, circuit. 

23. opacous, opaque. — pimc- 36. sumless, beyoud computa- 
iual, like a point, as iviih the fir- tion. —such, by or through such. 
mament i-ompared. 37. incorporeal, as without 

24. siirvey, extent. body ; as of spirits. See line 

25. admire, wonder. 110. 



-500KVIII.] PARADISE LOST 223 

To visit liow tliey prospered, bud and bloom, ^ 

Her nursery ; they at her coming sprung, 

And, touched by her fair tendance, ghidlier grew. 

Yet went she not, as not Avith such discourse 

Delighted, or not capable her ear 

Of what was high : such pleasure she reserved, BO 

Adam relating, she sole auditress ; 

Her husband the relater she preferred 

Before the angel, and of him to ask 

Chose rather ; he, she knew, would intermix 

Grateful digressions, and solve high dispute 55 

With conjugal caresses; from his lip 

Not words alone pleased her. Oh, when meet now 

Such pairs, in love and mutual honor joined ? 

With goddess-like demeanor forth she went, 

Not unattended, for on her as queen 60 

A pomp of winning graces Avaited still, 

And from about her shot darts of desire 

Into all eyes to wish her still in sight. 

And Raphael now to Adam's doubt proposed 

Benevolent and facile thus replied : 66 

" To ask or search 1 blame thee not, for heaven 
Is as the book of God before thee set, 
Wherein to read his wondrous works, and learn 
His seasons, hours, or days, or months, or years ; 
This to attain, whether heaven move or earth, 70 

Imports not, if thou reckon right ; the rest 
From man or angel the great Architect 
Did wisely to conceal, and not divulge 
His secrets to be scanned by them who ought 

53. to ask. " And if they will 70. This, this knowledge ; to 

fcarn anything, let them ask know lokether heaven move oi 

their husbands at home." 1 Cor. earth. 

jiv. 35. 71. Imports not, is not of con- 

55. GratefuL pleasing ; agree- sequence — the rest, what b^ 

able. longs to the curious pomts ol 

61. pomp, train. a&tronomy. 

65./aci7e, easy to be addressed ; 
attahle. See VII. 41. 



224- PARADISE LOST. [Book VIIL 

Rather admire ; or if they list to try 76 

Conjecture, he his fabric of the heavens 

Hath left to their disputes, perhaps to move 

His laughter at their quaint opinions wide 

Hereafter, when they come to model heaven 

And calculate the stai-s, how they will wield 80 

The mighty frame, how build, unbuild, contrive, 

To save appearances, how gird the sphere 

With centric and eccentric scribbled o'er, 

Cycle and epicycle, orb in orb. 

Already by thy reasoning this I guess 86 

Who art to lead thy offspring, and supposest 

That bodies bright and greater should not serve 

The less not bright, nor heaven such journeys run, 

Earth sitting still, when she alone receives 

The benefit. Consider first, that great 90 

Or bright infers not excellence : the earth, 

Though in comparison of heaven so small, 

Nor glistering, may of solid good contain 

More plenty than the sun that barren shines, 

Whose virtue on itself works no effect, 96 

But in the fruitful earth ; there first received, 

His beams, unactive else, their vigor find. 

Yet not to earth are those bright luminaries 

Officious, but to thee, earth's habitant. 

And for the heaven's wide circuit, let it speak 100 

75. list^ incline ; please. here simply the circle apparently 

78. wide, wide from the truth, described in a certain period by 

79-84. This refers to the sys- a heavenly body in its revolu- 

tem of the ancients, by which tion ; the second signifies the 

they tried to save appearances ; smaller circle in which, to ac- 

that is, to contrive a scheme by count for certain irregularities in 

which all the apparent motions its motion, the body of the planet 

of the heavenly bodies could be was supposed to move, 

accounted for. 85. this, that they will list to 

83. centric and eccentric are try conjecture. 

astronomical terms, the former 86. Who. The antecedent is in 

meaning in or tending towards thy, line 85. 

the centre, and the latter depart- 97. vigor, virtue ; power. 

ing from the centre. 99. Officious. See officiate in 

84. Cycle and epicycle. The line 22. 

6rst of these terms seems to mean 100. for^ as for. — let it speak 



BooicYIIL] PARADISE LOST. 225 

The Maker's high magnificence, who built 

So sj)acious, and his line stretched out so far, 

That man may know he dwells not in his ov/n ; 

An edifice too large for him to fill, 

Lodged in a small partition, and the rest 105 

Ordained for uses to his Lord best known. 

The swiftness of those circles attribute, 

Though numberless, to his omnipotence, 

That to corporeal substances could add 109 

Speed almost spiritual : me thou think'st not slow, 

Who since the morning hour set out from Heavgn 

Where God resides, and ere mid-day arrived 

In Eden, distance inexpressible 

By nnmbei-s that have name. But this I urge, 

Admitting motion in the heavens, to show 115 

Invalid that which thee to doubt it moved ; 

Not that I so affirm, though so it seem 

To thee who hast thy dwelling here on earth. 

God, to remove his ways from human sense. 

Placed heaven from earth so far, that earthly sight, 

If it presume, might err in things too high, 121 

And no advantage gain. What if tlie sun 

Be centre to the World, and other stars, 

By his attractive virtue and their own 

Incited, dance about him various rounds ? 125 

Their wandering coui-se novf high, now low, then hid, 

Progressive, retrograde, or standing still. 

In six thou seest ; and what if seventh to these 

The planet earth, so steadfast though she seem, 

Insensibly three different motions move ? 130 

• The heavens dec.are the glory 116. Invalid, weak ; of no 

of God, and the firmament show- weight ; to shew that that which 

cth his handy work. Day unto rnoved thee to doubt it is of no 

day uttered speech, and night force as a reason. 

Intc night showeth knowledge." 123. TVbW</. universe or sj'stem. 

Psahu xix. 1, 2. 128. In six. " Moon .... and 

102. his line stretched out. ye five other wandering fires." 

' "Who hath stretched the Une See V. 175-178. 

upon it"? Job xxxviii. 5. 130. three different motion$ 

15 



22 6 PARA DISE L OS T. [Book VIU. 

WTiich else to several spheres thou must ascribe 

Moved contrary with thwart obliquities, 

Or save the sun his labor, and that swift 

Nocturnal and diurnal rhomb supposed. 

Invisible else above all stars, the wheel ' 138 

Of day and night ; which needs not thy belief, 

If earth, industrious of herself, fetch day 

Travelling east, and with her part averse 

From the sun's beam meet night, her other part 

Still luminous by his ray. What if that light, i4<] 

Sent from her through the wide transpicuous air 

To the terrestrial moon, be as a star 

Enlightening her by day, as she by night 

This earth ? reciprocal, if land be there, 

Fields and inhabitants. Her spots thou seest 146 

As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain produce 

Fruits in her softened soil, for some to eat 

Allotted there ; and other suns perhaps 

With their attendant moons thou wilt descry. 

Of these, the first is her daily mover. See again III. 481-483 

motion on her own axis ; the sec- It was thus the ivheel of day 

ond, her yearly motion round and nl^ht, invisible above ail 

tlie Sun ; the third, the motion stars;. 

of libration, as it is called, by 137-140. This complicated sys- 

which the axis of the Earth is tern is not needed, if the earth, 

always kept parallel to itself. by moving on her own axis from 

131-136. Otherwise (that is. west to east, causes the changes 

supposing the earth to be the of day and night. This more 

centre of motion to the heavenly simple explanation of theappear- 

bodies) thou viust ascribe these ances of the heavenly bodies 

three different motions to several forms a part of the system taught 

sp/ieres moved in directions op- by Copernicus (from whom it la 

posite or contrari/, with orbits called the Copernican system), 

crossing one another, thwart and adopted by Galileo, who was 

obliquities ; or else (as before sup- contemporary with IMilton. The 

posed, line 122) thou must save poet here makes the angel and 

the sun his labor, ^nd ^lsosa.\e the Adam anticipate the inquii-ies 

labor of t/iat swift nocturnal and and discussions of his own time. 

diurnal rliomb supposed, this be- 140. luminous, illumined or 

Sng the imaginary sphere which made bright, 

bicluded the earth and all the 141. transpicuous, transparent, 

heavenly bodies, and by its own 142. be as a star^ be lo h«r af 

motion set in motion all the that of a star, 
iower spheres and was hence 
Balled " primum mobile," or first 



Book VIII.] PARADISE LOST. 227 

Communicating male and female light 160 

(\VhIcli two great sexes animate the world), 

Stored In each orb perhaps with some that live : 

For such vast room in nature unpossessed 

By living soul, desert ffnd desolate. 

Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute 156 

Each orb a glimpse of light conveyed so far 

Down to this habitable, which returns 

Light back to them, is obvious to dispute. 

But whether thus these things or whether not, — 

Whether the sun predominant In heaven 160 

Rise on the earth or earth rise on the sun, 

He from the east his flaming road begin 

Or she from the west her silent coui^e advance 

AVith Inoflensive pace, that spinning sleeps 

On her soft axle, while she paces even 166 

And bears thee soft with the smooth air along, — 

Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid ; 

Leave them to God above, him serve and fear. 

Of other creatures, as him pleases best. 

Wherever placed, let him dispose ; joy thou 170 

In what he gives to thee, this Paradise 

And thy fair Eve ; heaven is for thee too high 

To know what passes there : be lowly wise ; 

Think only what concerns thee and thy being ; 

Dream not of other worlds, what creatures there 175 

Live, in what state, condition, or degree. 

Contented that thus far hath been revealed, 

Not of Earth only, but of highest Heaven." 

150. male, that is, direct ; 158. obvious to dispute, open 

original. — female, reflected, as to doubt ; the whole sentence 

of moons. from line 153 being the subject 

152. pfthaps with some that of the verb is. 

live, perhaps stored or supplied 1*54. inoffensive, not striking 

with Uving beings. against anything. 

154. destrt, uninhabited. 1*37. Solicit, disturb. 

157. habitable. This is an imi- 170. joy, rejoice, 
tation of the Greek. The word 
'earth" or "world" must be 
supplied 



228 PARADISE LOST. [Book VIII 

To whom thus Adam, cleared of dcubt, replied : 
" How fully hast thou satisfied me, pure 189 

Intelligence of Heaven, angel serene ! 
And, freed from intricacies, taught to live 
The easiest way, nor with perplexing thoughts 
To interrupt the sweet of life, from which 
God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares, 185 

And not molest us, unless we ourselves 
Seek them with wandering thoughts and notions vain. 
But apt the mind or flmcy is to rove 
Unchecked ; and of her roving is no end, 
Till warned, or by experience taught, she learn 19u 
That not to know at large of things remote 
From use, obscure and subtle, but to know 
That which before us hes in daily life. 
Is the prime wisdom ; what is more, is fume, 
Or emptiness, or fond impertinence, 195 

And renders us in things that most concern 
Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek. 
Therefore from this high pitch let us descend 
A lower flight, and speak of things at hand 
Useful, whence haply mention may arise 200 

Of something not unseasonable to ask, 
By sufferance and thy wonted favor deigned. 
Thee I have heard relating what was done 
Ere my remembrance ; now hear me relate 
.My story, which perhaps thou hast not heard ; 205 
And day is yet not spent ; till then thou seest 
How subtly to detain thee I devise, 
Inviting thee to hear while I relate, — 
Fond, were it not in hope of thy reply : 
For while I sit with thee I seem in Heaven, 210 



191. at large., widely ; in full. derstood ; as in Comus, '• I dC 

192. subtle^ subtile. not think my sister so to seek." 
194. fume., smoke ; vapor. 202. sufferance^ permissioa 
197. still to seek, still obliged allowance. 

K) seek or learn, not having un- 209. Fond, foolish. 



Book VIII.] PARADISE LOST. 22S 

And sweeter thy discourse Is to my ear 

Than fruits of palm-tree, pleasantcst to thirst 

And hunger both, from labor, at the hour 

Of sweet repast : they satiate and soon fill, 21< 

Though pleasant ; but thy words, with grace divine 

Imbued, bring to tlieir sweetness no satiety." 

To whom thus Raphael answered heavenly meek : 
" Nor are thy lips ungraceful, sire of men. 
Nor tongue ineloquent ; for God on thee 
Abundantly his gifts hath also poured, 220 

Inward and outward both, his image fair; 
Speaking or mute all comeliness and grace 
Attends thee, and each word, each motion forms. 
Nor less think we in Heaven of thee on Earth 
Than of our fellow-servant, and inquire 225 

Gladly into the ways of God with man ; 
For God we see hath honored thee, and set 
On man his equal love. Say therefore on ; 
For I that day was absent, as befell, 
Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure, 290 

Far on excursion toward the gates of Hell ; 
Squared in full legion (such command we had) 
To see that none thence issued forth a spy 
Or enemy while God was in his work. 
Lest he, incensed at such eruption bold, 235 

Destruction with creation might have mixed. 
Not that they durst without his leave attempt, 
But us he sends upon his high behests 
For state, as sovran king, and to inure 
Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast shut, 

213. from, after ; returned 229. that day, the day of the 

from. creation of man. — as befell, &9 

225. and inquire. " ^\Tiich it chanced, 

things the angei.-t desire to look 230. uncouth, strange ; un 

into." 1 Peter i. 12. known. 

iSS. his fqual love, love equal 239. inure, practise; put is 

.0 that with which he regards us. use 



230 PARADISE LOST. [Book VHl. 

The dismal gates, and barricadoed strong ; jJH 

But, long ere our approaching, heard within 

Noise, other than tlie sound of dance or song, 

Torment and loud lament and furious rage. 

Glad we returned up to the coasts of light 245 

Ere sabbath evening ; so we had in charge. 

But thy relation now ; for I attend. 

Pleased with thy words no less than thou with mine." 

So spake the godlike Power, and thus our sire : 
" For man to tell how human life began 250 

Is hard ; for who himself beginning knew ? 
Desire with thee still longer to convei-se 
Induced me. As ncAV waked from soundest sleep, 
Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid, 
In balmy sweat, which with his beams the sun 255 
Soon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed. 
Straight toward heaven my wondering eyes I turned, 
And gazed awhile the ample sky, till raised 
By quick instinctive motion up I sprung. 
As thitherward endeavoring, and upright 2®J 

Stood on my feet : about me round I saw 
Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains, 
And liquid lapse of murmuring streams ; by these, 
Creatures that lived and moved, and walked or flew ; 
Birds on the branches warbling ; all things smiled ; 
With fragrance and with joy my heart o'erflowed. 
Myself I then perused, and limb by limb 26i 

Surveyed, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran 
With supple joints, as lively vigor led ; 
But who I was, or where, or from what cause, 270 
Knew not : to speak I tried, and forthwith spake ; 
My tongue obeyed, and readily could name 

247. relation^ recital ; narra- 253. Induced me, led me t« 
ti\e. ~- attend, wait; wait for propose such relation. — .<ls, as if 
»t. 2tJ3. lapse^ flow ; gliding. 



Book VIII.] PARADISE LOST. 231 

Whate'er. I saw. ' Thou sun,' said I, ' fair light, 

And tliou enlightened earth, so fresh and gay. 

Ye hills and dales, ye rivers, woods, and plains, 2U 

And ye that live and move, fair creatures, tell, 

Tell, if ye saw, how came I thus, how here ? 

Not of myself; by some great maker then, 

In goodness and in power preeminent : 

Tell me how may I know him, how adore, 280 

From whom I have that thus I move and live. 

And feel that I am happier than I know.' 

While thus I called, and strayed I knew not whither 

From where I first drew air and first beheld 

This happy light, when answer none returned, 285 

On a green shady bank, profuse of flowei-s, 

Pensive I sat me down ; there gentle sleep 

First found me, and with soft oppression seized 

My drowsed sense, untroubled, tliough I thought 

I then was passing to my former state 290 

Insensible, and forthwith to dissolve ; 

When suddenly stood at my head a dream, 

W^hose inward apparition gently moved 

My fancy to believe I yet had being 

And lived. One came, methought, of shape divine, 

And said, ' Thy mansion wants thee, Adam ; rise, 296 

First man, of men innumerable ordained 

First father ! called by thee, I come thy guide 

To the garden of bliss, thy seat prepared.' 

So saying, by the hand he took me raised, 30c 

And, over fields and watei-s as in air 

Smooth sliding without step, last led me up 

A woody mountain, whose high top was plain, 

A circuit Avide enclosed, with goodliest trees 

Planted, with walks and bowers, that what I saw 305 

Of earth before scarce pleasant seemed. Each trse 

281. From who-n. "In him 30C-309 Compare IV. 131-148 
we live and move and have our 
being." Acts svii. 28. 



232 PARADISE LOST. [Book VIII 

Loaden Avitli foircst fruit, that linng to the eye 

Tempting, stirred in me sudden appetite 

To pluck and eat ; whereat I waked, and found 

Before mine ej'es all real, as the dream 818 

Had lively shadowed. Here had new begun 

My wandering, had not He, who was my guide 

Up hither, from among the trees appeared. 

Presence divine. Rejoicing, but with awe, 

In adoration at his feet I fell 316 

Submlss ; he reared me, and, * Whom thou sought'st 

I am,' 
Said mildly, ' Author of all this thou seest 
Above, or round about thee, or beneath. 
This Paradise I give thee, count it thine 
To till and keep, and of the fruit to eat : 320 

Of every tree that in the garden grows 
Eat freely with glad heart ; fear here no dearth. 
But of the tree whose operation brings 
Knowledge of good and ill, which I have set, 
The pledge of thy obedience and thy faith, 325 

Amid the garden by the Tree of Life, 
Remember what I warn thee, shun to taste. 
And shun the bitter consequence ; for know. 
The day thou eat'st thereof, my sole command 
Transgressed, inevitably thou shalt die, 330 

From that day mortal, and this happy state 
Shalt lose, expelled from hence into a world 
Of woe and sorrow.' Sternly he pronounced 
The rigid interdiction, Avhlch resounds 
Yet dreadful in mine ear. though in my choice 335 
Not to incur ; but soon his clear aspect 

316. Suhmiss, submissive , or, 323. oppration, action or effect 
Ba a Latinism, prostrate.— re are^A 3.31. viortnL subject to death, 
raised. 335. thoin^k in my choice not la 

320. To till ami keep. " And hicur, though it has been left t* 
the Lord God took the man and my choice not to incur such pei> 
put him into the garden of Eden, alty. 
to drees it and to keep it " Gen 
ii. 16. 



Book VIII.] PARADISE LOST. 283 

Returned, and gi-acious purpose thus renewed : 
Not only these lair boun<ls, but all the earth 
To thee and to thy race I give ; as lords 
Possess it, and all things that therein live, 840 

Or live in sea or air, beast, fish, and fowl. 
In sign whereof each bird and beast behold 
After their kinds ; I bring them to receive 
From thee their names, and pay thee fealty 
With low subjection ; understand the same 345 

Of fish within their watery residence, 
Not hither summoned, since they cannot change 
Their element to draw the thinner air.' 
As thus he spake, each bird and beast behold 
Approaching two and two ; these cowering low 350 
With blandishment, each bird stooped on his wing. 
I named them as they passed, and understood 
Their nature, with such knowledge God endued 
My sudden apprehension ; but in these 
I found not what niethought I wanted still ; 355 

And to the heavenly vision thus presumed : 

" ' O by what name, for thou above all these, 
Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher, 
Surpassest for my naming, how may I 
Adore thee. Author of this universe, 360 

And all this good to man, for whose well-being 
So amply, and Avith hands so liberal. 
Thou hast provided all things ? but with me 
I see not Avho partakes. In solitude 
What happiness, who can enjoy alone, 866 

Or all enjoying what contentment find ? ' 
Thus I presumptuous ; and the Vision bright, 
As with a smile more brigh'iened, thus replied : 

837. purpose, speech ; conver 351. stooped is here a partioi 
sation ; the French " propos." pie. 
iW *Jiese refers to beast. 353. presumed to speak. 



234 PARADISE LOST. [Book VIII 

" * What call'st thou solitude ? Is not the earth 
With various living creatures, and the air 378 

Replenished, and all these at thy command 
To come and play before thee ? know'st thou not 
Their language and their ways ? they also know, 
And reason not contemptibly ; with these 
Find pastime, and bear rule ; thy realm is large.' 3'5 
So spake the universal Lord, and seemed 
So ordering. I, with leave of speech implored, 
And humble deprecation, thus replied : 

" ' Let not my words offend thee, heavenly Power, 
My Maker, be propitious while I speak. 380 

Hast thou not made me here thy substitute, 
And these inferior far beneath me set ? 
• vVmong unequals what society 
Can sort, what harmony or true delight ? 
Which must be mutual, in proportion due 385 

Given and received ; but in disparity, 
The one intense, the other still remiss. 
Cannot Avell suit Avith either, but soon prove 
Tedious alike. Of fellowship I speak 
Such as I seek, fit to participate 390 

All rational delight, Avherein the brute 
Cannot be human consort : they rejoice 
Each with their kind, lion with lioness ; 
So fitly them in pairs thou hast combined ; 
Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl S95 
So well converse, nor with the ox the ape ; 
Worse then can man with beast, and least of all.' 

" ^\^lereto the Almighty ansAvered, not displeased : 

378. deprfcntion, entreaty for strings of a musical instrument 

pardon or forbearance. The one being ialPtise. 

384. 50^/, consort ; unite. 3S3. Cannot. Tlie nominative 

387. intense, strained, and is -.ohich, as in line 3S5. 

"emiss, sjiick or lo(.>se, like tlie 39d. Converse, associate 



Boon y III.] PARADISE L OS T. 235 

A nice and subtle happiness I see 
Thou to thyself proposest in the choice 100 

Of thy associates, Adam, and wilt taste 
No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitary. 
What think'st thou then of me, and this my state ? 
Seem I to thee sufficiently possessed 
Of happiness, or not ? Avho am alone *oe 

From all eternity, for none I kno^Y 
Second to me or like, equal much less. 
How have I then with whom to hold converse, 
Save with the creatures which I made, and those 
To me inferior, infinite descents ^ 410 

Beneath what other creatures are to thee ? ' 

" He ceased ; I lowly answered : ' To attain 
The height and depth of thy eternal ways 
All human thoughts com^ short, Supreme of things ! 
Thou in thyself art perfect, and in thee 415 

Is no deficience found ; not so is nian. 
But in degree, the cause of his desire 
By convei-sation with his like to help 
Or solace his defects. No need that thou 
Shouldst propagate, already infinite, 420 

And through all numbers absolute though one ; 
But man by number is to manifest 
His single Imperfection, and bcget^ 
Like of his like, his image multiplied, 
In unity defective, which requires 425 

Collateral love and dearest amity. 

413^15 "0 the depth of the 421. through all numbers abso- 
rich Jboth of the wisaom and lute. This is a Lahn-sm, mean- 

4A7 )n decree, in his degree ; fection while yiugle. 
comparltivel^.-Wcau.., which „^ 125. ^ i.t^ou^l/ defective, deft 
is the cause. 

118. Conj-e. 
590, 408, 43i 



is the cause. 

118. Coiu-ersaAion. Se* Unes 



cieut 11 hut onu. 



236 PARADISE LOST. [Book VIU 

Thou in thy secrecy although alone, 

Best with thyself accompanied, seek'st not 

Social communication, yet, so pleased, 

Canst raise thy creatures to what height thou wilt 433 

Of union or communion, deified , 

I by conversing cannot these erect 

From prone, nor in their ways complacence find.' 

Thus I emboldened spake, and freedom used 

Permissive, and acceptance found, which gained 435 

This answer from the gracious voice divine : 

" ' Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased, 
And find thee knowing not of beasts alone. 
Which thou hast rightly named, but of thyself, 
Expressing well the spirit within thee free, 440 

My image, not imparted to the brute, 
Whose fellowship therefore unmeet for thee 
Good reason was thou freely shouldst dislike ; 
And be so minded still. I, ere thou spak'st, 
Knew it not good for man to be alone, 445 

And no such company as then thou saw'st 
Intended thee, for trial only brought, 
To see how thou couldst judge of fit and meet. 
What next I bring shall please thee, be assured, 
Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self, 450 

Thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire.' 

" He ended, or I heard no more ; for now 
My earthly by his heavenly overpowered. 
Which it had long stood under, strained to the height 
In that celestial colloquy sublime, 455 

ill. Secrecy. See I. 6. 435. Permissive., granted ; al- 

429. -so pleased., if thou art so lowed, 

pleased. 445. " And the Lord God said, 

432. these. See lines 369-375. It is not good that man slioulcj 
- erfct, make upright. be alone." Genesis ii. 18. 

433. From prone., from being 454. strained. See line 3S7 
prone, with the head or face 

downwards. 



Book YIIL] PARADISE LOST. 237 

As with an object that excels the sense 

Dazzled and spent sunk down, and sought repair 

Of sleep, which instantly fell on me, called 

By nature as in aid, and closed mine eyes. 

Mine eyes he closed, but open left the cell 46C 

Of fancy, my internal sight, by which 

Abstract as in a trance methought I saw, 

Though sleeping, where I lay, and saw the shape 

Still glorious before whom awake I stood ; 

Who stooping opened my left side, and took i66 

From thence a rib, Avith cordial spirits warm, 

And life-blood streaming fresh ; wide was the wound, 

But suddenly with flesh filled up and healed. 

The rib he formed and fashioned with his hands ; 

Under his forming hands a creature grew, 470 

Manlike, but different sex, so lovely fair 

That what seemed fair in all the world seemed now 

Mean, or in her summed up, in her contained, 

And in her looks, Avhich from that time infused 

Sweetness into my heart unfelt before, 475 

And into all things from her air inspired 

The spirit of love and amorous delight. 

She disappeared, and left me dark ; I waked 

To find her, or forever to deplore 

Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure : 480 

When, out of hope, behold her not f^ir off. 

Such as I saAv her In my dream, adorned 

With what all Earth or Heaven could bestow 

To make her amiable. On she came. 

Led by her heavenly Maker, though unseen, 486 

And guided by his voice, nor uninformed 

Of nuptial sanctity and marriage rites : 

461. fancy, my internal sight 466. cordial^ from the heart. 

Compare V. 100-111. 481. out of hope, beyond my 

482. Abstract, drawn away ; out hope ; more than I hoped 

of myself. — Saw, verb neuter. 484. amiable^ lovely. 

4C5-471 SeeGenesisu. 21, 22. 



238 PARADISE LOST. [Book VIH 

Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, 

In every gesture dignity and love. 

I overjoyed could not forbear aloud : 49C 

" ' This turn hath made amends ; thou hast fulfilled 
Thy words, Creator bounteous and benign, 
Giver of all things fair, but fairest this 
Of all thy gifts, nor enviest. I now see 
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, myself 495 

Before me ; AVoman is her name, of man 
Extracted : for this cause he shall forego 
Father and mother, and to his Avife adhere ; 
And they shall be one flesh, one heart, one soul.' 

" She heard me thiis, and though divinely brought, 
Yet innocence and virgin modesty, 601 

Her virtue and the conscience of her worth. 
That would be wooed and not unsought be won, 
Not obvious, not obtrusive, but retired 
The more desirable ; or, to say all, 505 

Nature herself, though pure of sinful thought, 
Wrouglit in her so, that seeing me she turned ; 
I followed her, she what was honor knew, 
And with obsequious majesty approved 
My pleaded reason. To the nuptial bower 510 

I led her blushing like the morn : all heaven 
And happy constellations on that hour 
Shed their selcctest influence ; the earth 
Gave sign of gratulation, and each hill ; 
Joyous the birds ; fresh gales and gentle airs 515 

Whispered it to the woods, and from their wings 
Flung rose, flung odors from the spicy shrub, 

490. aloud, uttering aloud. 502. conscience, consciousnesd 

494. nor enviest, nor dost thou as in Hebrews x. 2, " should have 

Jrithhold out of ill-will. had no more conscience of sins." 

495-499. See Genesis ii. 23, 24. 504. retired, when retired. 
501. For the verb, see line 507. 



BookVJII.] paradise LOST. 239 

Disporting till the amorous bird of night 

Sung spousal, and bid haste the evening star 

On his hill top to light the bridal lamp. 520 

''Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought 
My story to the sum of earthly bliss. 
Which I enjoy, and must confess to find 
In all things else delight indeed, but such 
As, used or not, Avorks in the mind no change, 525 

Nor vehement desire ; these delicacies 
I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and 

flowers, 
Walks, and the melody of birds : but here, 
Far otherwise, transported I behold, 
Transported touch ;£bere passion first I felt, 530 

Commotion strange, in all enjoyments else 
Superior and unmoved, here only weak 
Against the charm of beauty's powerful glance. 
Or nature failed in me, and left some part 
Not proof enough such object to sustain, 536 

Or from my side subducting took perhaps 
More than enough ; at least on her bestowed 
Too much of ornament, in outward show 
Elaborate, of inward less exact. 

For well I understand in the prime end 540 

Of nature her the inferior, in the mind 
And inward faculties which most excel, 
In outward also her resembling less 
His image Avho made both, and less expressing 
The character of that dominion given 545 

O'er other creatures ; yet Avhen I approach 
Her loveliness, so absolute she seems 
And in herself complete, so well to know 
Her own, that what slie wills to do or say 
Seems wisest, v'rtuousest, discreetest, best : 56C 

534. Or, either 547. absolute^ perfect. 



240 PARADISE LOST. [Book VIII 

All higher knowledge in her presence falls 

Degraded ; wisdom in discourse with her 

Loses discountenanced, and like folly shows ; 

Authority and reason on her wait, 

As one intended first, not after made Mfi 

Occasionally ; and, to consummate all, 

Greatness of mind and nobleness their seat 

Build in her loveliest, and create an awe 

About her, as a guard angelic placed." 

To whom the angel with contracted brow r 500 

" Accuse not nature, she hath done her part ; 
Do thou but thine, and be not diffident 
Of wisdom ; she deserts thee not, if thou 
Dismiss not her when most thou need'st her nigh, 
By attributing overmuch to tilings 565 

Less excellent, as thou thyself perceiv'st. 
For what admir'st thou, what transports thee so ? 
An outside, fair no doubt, and worthy well 
Thy cherishing, thy honoring, and thy love, 
Not thy subjection : A veigh wi^i her thyself, 670 

Then value. Oft-times nothing profits more 
Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right 
Well managed ; of that skill the more thou know'st, 
The more she will acknowledge thee her head. 
And to realities yield all her shows : 575 

Made so adorn for thy delight the more, 
So awful, that Avith honor thou may'st love 
Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise. 
But if the sense of touch, whereby mankind 
Is propagated, seem such dear delight 580 

552. Degraded, cast down from 562. diffident, distrustful. 

Its rank. 568. In some copies, we find an 

553. di&coimtenanced, abashed ; interrogation mark instead of a 
put out of countenance. — shows, comma after outside. 

seems. 576. adorn, adorned. 

556. Orxasionally, to meet an 578. sees, perceives, 
occasion or want. 



Book VIII.] PARADISE LOST. 241 

Beyond all other, think the same vouchsafed 

To cattle and each beiist ; which would not be 

To them made common and divulged, if aught 

Therein enjoyed were worthy to subdue 

The soul of man, or passion in him move, 68S 

What higher in her society thou find'st 

Attractive, human, rational, love still ; 

In loving thou dost well, in passion not, 

Wherein true love consists not ; love refines 

The thoughts, and heart enlarges, hath his seat 6S0 

In reason, and is judicious, is the scale 

By which to heavenly love thou may'st ascend, 

Not sunk in carnal pleasure ; for which cause 

Among the beasts no mate for thee was found." 

To whom thus, half abashed, Adam replied : 695 
" Neither her outside formed so fair, nor aught 
In procreation common to all kinds 
(Though higher of the genial bed by far 
And with mysterious reverence I deem) 
So much delights me, as those graceful acts, 600 

Those thousand decencies that daily flow 
From all her words and actions, mixed with love 
And sweet compliance, which declare unfeigned 
Union of mind, or in us both one soul ; 
Harmony to behold in wedded pair 605 

More grateful than harmonious sound to the ear. 
Yet these subject not ; I to thee disclose 
What inward thence I feel, not therefore foiled, 
Who meet with various objects from the sense 
Variously representing, yet still free 610 

'Approve the best, and follow what I approve. 
To love thou blam'st me not, for love thou say'st 



601. decencies^ becoming waj-s. senting, senses which present 
609. IWtoweef, because I meet, anew in various ways. 
609, 610. sejise variously repre 

16 



242 PARADISE LOST. [Book VIIL 

Leads up to Heaven, is both the way and guide : 
Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask; — 
Love not the heavenly spirits ? and how their love 616 
Express they ? by looks only, or do they mix 
Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch ? " 

To whom the angel, with a smile that glowed 
Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue, 
Answered : " Let it suffice thee that thou know'st 620 
Us happy, and without love no happiness. 
Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy'st 
(And pure thou wert created) we enjoy 
In eminence, and obstacle find none 
Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive bars ; 625 

Easier than air with air, if spirits embrace, 
Total they mix, union of pure with pure 
Desiring ; nor restrained conveyance need, 
As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul. 
But I can now no more ; the parting sun 680 

Beyond the earth's green Cape and verdant Isles 
Hesperian sets, my signal to depart. 
Be strong, live happy, and love, but first of all 
Him whom to love is to obey, and keep 
His great command ; take heed lest passion sway 635 
Thy judgment to do aught, which else free will 
Would not admit ; thine and of all tliy sons 
The weal or woe in thee is placed ; beware ! 
l in thy persevering shall rejoice, 
And all the blest. Stand fiist ; to stand or fall 640 
Free in thine own arbitrament it lies. 

631, 632. green Cape and verd- 634. tvhom to love is to obey, 

tint Isles Hesperian. Cape Verde " For this is the love of God, that 

(Green) is the western cape of we '<eep his commandments." 1 

Africa, and the islands beyond John v. 3. 

It and called by its name, being 636. dse^ otherwise ; without 

farther to the west or nearer to influence of passion, 

ihe setting sun, are here termed 637. admit^ allow, --thine, of 

Hesperian, from Hesperus, the thee, 
avenin^ star. 



Book VIIL] PARADISE LOST. 243 

Perfect within, no outward aid require ; 
And all temptation to transgress repel." 

So saying, he arose ; whom Adam thus 
Followed with benediction : " Since to part, 646 

Go, heavenly guest, ethereal messenger, 
Sent from whose sovran goodness I adore. 
Gentle to me and affable hath been 
Thy condescension, and shall be honored ever 
With grateful memc";? ; thou to mankind 660 

Be good and friendly still, and oft return." 

So parted they ; the angel up to Heaven 
From the thick shade, and Adam to his bower. 

645. <rparJ, thou art about to 647. ^om whose, from him 
depart. whose. 



BOOK IX. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Satan, having compassed the earth, with meditated guile returns as 
a mist by night into Paradise, and enters into the serpent sleeping. 
Adam and Eve in the morning go forth to their labors, which Eve 
proposes to divide in several places, each laboring apart. Adam 
consents not, alleging the danger lest that enemy of whom they 
were forewarned should attempt her found alone. Eve, loath to be 
thought not circumspect or firm enough, urges her going apart, 
the rather desirous to make ti-ial of her strength ; Adam at last 
yields. The serpent finds her alone ; his subtle approach, first 
gazing, then speaking, with much flatter}' extolling Eve above all 
other creatures. Eve, wondering to hear the serpent speak, asks 
how he attained to human speech and such understanding not till 
now ; the serpent answers, that by tasting of a certain tree in the 
garden he attained both to speech and reason, till then void of 
both. Eve requires him to bi'ing her to that tree, and finds it to 
be the tree of knowledge forbidden. The serpent, now grown 
holder, with many wiles and arguments induces her at length to 
eat : she, pleased with the taste, deliberates awhile whether to 
impart thereof to Adam or not ; at last brings him of the fruit 
relates what persuaded her to eat thereof. Adam, at first amazed j 
but perceiving her lost, resolves through vehemence of love to 
perish with her ; and extenuating the trespas.s eats also of the 
fruit. The effects thereof in them both ; they seek to cover their 

■■a nakedness ; then fall to variance and accusation of one another. 

. -^ 

"^ No more of talk where God or angel guest 

\|" With man, as with his friend, familiar used 

^ To sit indulgent, and with him partake 

■:i Rural repast, permitting him the while 

vJ Venial discourse unblamed : I now must change 6 

Those notes to tragic ; foul distrust and breach 

^"K. Disloyal on the part of man, revolt 

<y/ And disobedience ; on the part of Heaven 



Book IX.] 



PARADISE LOST. 



245 



^ 






\^ 



Now alienated, distance and distaste, 
Anger and just rebuke, and judgment given, 
That brought into this world a world of woe, 
Sin and her shadow Death, and Misery 
Death's harbinger : s ad task ! yet argument 
Not less but more heroi c than the wrath 
Of stern Achilles on his foe pursued, 
Thrice fugitive, about Troy wall ; or rage 
Of Turnus for Lavinia disespoused ; 
Or Neptune's ire or Juno's, that so long 
Perplexed the Greek and Cytherea's son : 
I|'.aiis\x£ral}la,style.I-cao..Qlitaiit. 
Of my celestial patroness, who deigns 
Her nightly vi sitatloQ uaimplwed^^ 
Alul-xlL^ates to me sluuibering, or inspires 
Easy. my . unprenxeditated Yei-sa^; 
Since first this subject for heroic song 
Pleased me, long choosing and beginning late, 



10 



IB 



13. argument. See I. 24. 
14-16. The subject of Homer's 
Iliad is the wrath of .-Vchilles, or 
his quarrel with Agamemnon, 
and its consequences. Ilere, the 
wrath of stern Achilles is the 
spirit of revenge roused by the 
death of his friend Patroclus, 
who was killed by the Trojan 
hero, Hector. This foe he chased 
three times round the walls of 
Troy, and, having slain him, tied 
his body to his chariot and 
dragged it to his ships. 

16, 17. Reference is here made 
to a part of the story of ^Eneas, 
related by Virgil in the jSlneid. 
.Lavinia^ the daughter of Lati- 
aus, had been promised in mar- 
riage to Titrnus. She was givon 
by her father to J^neas, and thus 
disespoused from Turnus. 

18, 19. The Greek, perplexer/ so 
ting by Nfptune^s ire, was Ulys- 
fces, or Odysseus, whose adven- 
tures are related by Homer in the 
Vdyssey. CyLherea''s son, so long 
verpUxed by Juno''s ire, was 



^neas. Cy therea was one of the 
names of Venus. — Milton de- 
clares that the subject of his own 
poem is not less but more heroic 
than that of either of the three 
great epic poems of antiquity, 
the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the 
^gEneid, inasmuch as it treats of 
the anger and just rebuke of 
Heaven, rather than of the wrath 
of stern Achilles, or the rage of 
Turnus, or Neptune^s ire or 
Juno^s. 

20. ansiverable, suitable. 

21. my celestial jiatroness. the 
heavenl}' Muse invoked at the 
opening of the First Book and 
again in tlie Seventh. 

22. Her nightly visitation. See 
111.26-40. 

26. long choosing and begin- 
ning late. Earlier in life, Milton 
had proposed to wiite an epio 
poem of which King Arthur 
should be the subject ; but the 
present poem was not begun till 
after he was fifty vears old 



^ 



246 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

Not sedulous by nature to indite 
Wars, hitherto the only argument 
Heroic deemed, chief mastery to dissect 
With long and tedious havoc fabled knights 8C 

In battles feigned (the better fortitude 
Of patience and heroic martyrdom 
Unsung) ; or to describe races and games, 
J jOr tilting furniture, emblazoned shields, 
.. iTrnpresses quaint, caparisons and steeds, 85 

^ : Bases and tinsel trappings, gorgeous knights 
^" I At joust and tournament ; then marshalled feast 
^ I Served up in hall with sewers and seneschals ; 
-^ i The skill of artifice or office mean, 

; Not that which justly gives heroic name 40 

I To person or to poem. Me, of these 
I Nor skilled nor studious, higher argument 
I Remains, sufficient of itself to raise 
■ That name, unless an age too late, or cold 
Climate, or years, damp my intended wing |5 

Depressed, and much they may, if all be mine, 
Not hers who brings it nightly to my ear. 

The sun was sunk, and after him the star 
Of Hesperus, whose office is to bring 

27. sedulous to indite^ sedu- 36. Bases were a sort of skirt, 

I msly bent on inditing. which was worn by the knight 

28-31. The wars of fabled when on horseback, and reached 

Imights formed the subject of the to the knees, 

old romantic poems, such as the 37, 38. The knightly feasts 

Orlando Furioso of Ariosto. were attended by marshals who 

34. tilting furniture, all the ar- placed the guests according to 

ray with wliich the knights who their rank, while the seiver ar- 

Bngaged in tilts, or contests with ranged the meats on the table, 

the lance, were furnished and under the superintendence of the 

accompanied. — emblazoned, ad- sewcsc/irti, or house-steward, 

orned with the devices of her- 41-43. To me, who am neither 

*ldry, or armorial bearings. skilled nor studious of such 

36. Imj/tesses quaint, fanciful things as these, there remains a 

emblems or subjects on th« higher theme or subject, 

shield. These were generally 44. that name. See line 40. 

Bome figure, wirh a motto. 49. Hesperus. See IV 606. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 247 

Twilight upon tlie earth, short arbiter 60 

'Twixt day and night ; and now from end to end 
Night's hemisphere had veiled the horizon round, 
When Satan, who late fled before the threats 
Of Gabriel out of Eden, now improved 
In meditated fraud and malice, bent 55 

On man's destruction maugre what might hap 
Of heavier on himself, fearless returned. 
By night he fled, and at midnight returned 
From compassing the earth, cautious of day. 
Since Uriel, regent of the sun, descried ^ 60 

His entrance, and forewarned the cherubim 
That kept their watch ; thence full of anguish driven, 
The space of seven continued nights he rode 
With darkness, thrice the equinoctial line 
He circled, four times crossed the car of night 55 

From pole to pole, traversing each colure ; 
On the eighth returned, and on the coast averse 
From entrance or cherubic watch by stealth 
Found unsuspected way. There was a place 
(Now not, though sin not time fii-st wrought the 
change) "^0 

Where Tigris at the foot of Paradise 
Into a gulf shot under ground, till part 
Rose up a fountain by the Tree of Life : 
In with the river sunk and with it rose 
Satan involved in rising mist, then sought 75 

Where to lie hid ; sea he had searched and land 

50. arbiter, one who comes be- earth, bringing darkness, while 

tween two parties to settle their his course v;-as from jmle to pole. 

confiictiug chiims. 66. eack colure. The colures 

56. maugre, notwithstanding; are two great circles which cross 

In spite of. the ecliptic and intersect each 

59. cautious of, careful to other at right angles in the poles 
nyoid. of the world or univer.^e. — trav- 

60. Uriel. See IV. 125 ani ersim;. passing along, in a direc- 
655-592. tion at right angles to the course 

as. The space of. during. of the car of night. 

♦W,. crossed the car of ninht, as 67. the const ai-erse, that part 
t moved westward round the of the border of Paradise awaj 
fi'om. 



248 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

From Eden over Pontus and the pool 

Maeotis, up beyond the river Ob ; 

Downward as far antarctic ; and in length 

West from Orontes to the ocean barred 8C 

At Darien, thence to the land where flows 

Ganges and Indus. Thus tlie orb he roamed 

With narrow search, and with inspection deep 

Considered every creature, which of all 

Most opportune might serve his wiles, and found 8S 

The serpent subtlest beast of all the field. 

Him after long debate, irresolute 

Of thoughts revolved, his final sentence chose 

Fit vessel, fittest imp of fraud, in whom 

To enter, and his dark suggestions hide 90 

From sharpest sight ; for in the wily snake 

Whatever sleights none would suspicious m?.rk, 

As from his wit and native subllety 

Proceeding, which in other beasts observed 

J)oubt might beget of diaboHc power 96 

Active within beyond the sense of brute. 

Thus he resolved, but first from inward grief 

His bursting passion into plaints thus poured : 

" O Earth, how like to Heaven, if not preferred 
More justly, seat worthier of gods, as built loc 

77. Pontiis, Pontus Euxinus, principal rivers of Ilindostan or 

the Black Sea. India, which he reached by his 

77, 78. the pool McEotis^ Palus western course. — the orb, the 
Maeotis, tlie Sea of Azov. earth ; in Latin, " orbis terra- 

78. Ob, the Obi, a river of Sibe- rum," the circle of the lands. 
ria. ^ 83. narrow, close ; scrutinizing 

1^. Dowmvard as far antarctic, 87. debate, deliberation. — ir 

US far to the south as first to the resolute of, hesitating between, 

florth. 89 fittest imp of fraud, fittest 

80. Orontes, a river of Syria, of the creatures to receive and 
flowing into the Mediterranean practise fraud. " Now the ser- 
Bea. See IV. 273. pent was more subtil than any 

81. Darien. The isthmus of beast of the field which the Lord 
Darien unites the two parts of God had made." Genesis iii. 1 
the continent of America, and 92. Whatever sleights, artifice* 
leems to form a barric^r to the whatever they might be. 
waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 99. preferred, to be preferred. 

82. Ganges and Indus, the 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 249 

With second thouglits, reforming what was old I 

For what god, after better, worse would build ? 

Terrestrial heaven, danced round by other heavens 

That shine, yet bear their bright officious lamps, 

Light above light, for thee alone, as seems, 108 

lu thee concentring all their precious beams 

Of sacred influence ! as God in Heaven 

Is centre, yet extends to all, so thou 

Centring rcceiv'st from all those orbs ; in thee. 

Not in themselves, all their known virtue appears 110 

Productive in herb, plant, and nobler birth 

Of creatures animate with gradual life 

Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in ISIan. 

With what delight could I l-ave walked thee round, 

If I could joy in aught, sweet interchange 115 

Of hill and valley, rivers, woods, and plains. 

Now land, now sea, and shores with forest crowned, 

Rocks, dens, and caves ! but I in none of these 

Find place or refuge ; and the more 1 see 

Pleasures about me, so much more I feel 120 

Torment within me, as from the hateful siege 

Of contraries ; all good to me becomes 

Bane, and In Heaven much worse would be my state. 

But neither here seek T — no, nor in Heaven — 

To dwell, unless by mastering Heaven's Supreme ; 

Nor hope to be myself less miserable 126 

By what I seek, but othei-s to make such 

As I, though thereby worse to me redound : 

For only in destroying I find ease 

To my relentless thoughts ; and him destroyed ISC 

Or won to what may work his utter loss 

For whom all this was made, all this will soon 

Follow, as to him linked in weal or woe ; 

In woe then ; that destruction Avide may range. 

lOi. officious. See Yin. 99. 128 iror5e, vhat is worse. 

110. virtue, power. See Une 130 him, the case absolute 
145 ^ See VII. 142. 



250 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

To me shall be the glory sole among 18S 

The infernal powers, in one day to have marred 

What he, Almighty styled, six nights and days 

Continued making, and who knows how long 

Before had been contriving ? though perhaps 

Not longer than since I in one night freed 140 

From servitude inglorious well nigh half 

The angelic name, and thinner left the throng 

Of his adorers. He, to be avenged 

And to repair his numbers thus impaired. 

Whether such virtue spent of old now failed 146 

More angels to create (if they at least 

Are his created) or to spite us more. 

Determined to advance into our room 

A creature formed of earth, and him endow, 

Exalted from so base original, 150 

With heavenly spoils, our spoils. What he decreed 

He effected ; man he made, and for him built 

Magnificent this world, and earth his seat ; 

Him lord pronounced, and, O indignity ! 

Subjected to his service angel wings igj 

And flaming ministers, to watch and tend 

Their earthly charge. Of these the vigilance 

I dread, and to elude, thus wrapped in mist 

Of midnight vapor glide obscure, and pry 

In every bush and brake, where hap may find 160 

The serpent sleeping, in whose mazy folds 

To hide me and the dark intent I bring. 

foul descent ! that I, Avho erst contended 

With gods to sit the highest, am now constrained 

Into a beast, and mixed with bestial slime, 166 

This essence to incarnate and imbrute, 

156. flamins; miyiisters. " Who 160. Iiap, chance, 

uaketh his angel-s spirits ; his 163. erst, once ; formerly, 

ministers a llauiiug fire." Psalm 166. This spiritual being t« 

eiv. 4. clothe or hide in tiesh, and that 

Wl. charge. " He shall give his the flesh of a brute, 
angfls charge over thee, to keep 
thee in all thy ways." Pe. xci. 11. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 251 

That to the height of deity aspired ; 
But what will not ambition and revenge 
Descend to ? who aspires must down as low 
As high he soared, obnoxious first or last 170 

To basest things. Revenge, at first though sweet, 
Bitter ere long back on itself recoils : — 
Let it ; I reck not, so it light Avell aimed 
(Since higher I fall short) on him who next 
Provokes my envy, this new favorite 175 

Of Heaven, this man of clay, son of despite, 
Whom, us the more to spite, his Maker raised 
From dust. Spite then with spite is best repaid." 

So saying, through each thicket dank or dry 
Like a black mist low creeping, he held on 180 

His midnight search, where soonest he might find 
The serpent : him fast sleeping soon he found 
In labyrinth of many a round self-rolled. 
His head the midst, well stored with subtle wiles , 
Not yet in horrid shade or dismal den, 186 

Nor nocent yet, but on the grassy herb 
Fearless unfeared he slept : in at his mouth 
The Devil entered, and his brutal sense 
In heart or head possessing soon inspired 
With act intelligential ; but his sleep 190 

Disturbed not, waiting close the approach of morn. 

Now, when as sacred light began to dawn 
In Eden on the humid tlowei-s that breathed 
Their morning incense, when all things that breathe 
From the earth's great altar send up silent j^raise 19C 
To the Creator and his nostrils fill 

169. ipAo, he who. — must 186. nocent, hurtful ; the con- 
down, must degrade hknself or trary of innocent. 

descend. 192. ivhfn as, when. 

170. obnoxious, exposed ; sub- 193. breathed, breathed out 
ject. exhaled. 

174. Since higher, since if I 1^)6. and his nostrils fill. "And 
higher aim. the Lord smell ed a sweet savor." 

Gen. viii. 21 



252 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

With grateful smell, forth came the human pair, 
And joined their vocal worship to the quire 
Of creatures wanting voice ; that done, partake 
The season, prime for sweetest scents and airs ; aoC 
Then commune how that day they best may ply 
Their growing work, for much their work outgrew 
The hands' despatch of two gardening so wide, 
And Eve first to her husband thus began : 

" Adam, well may we labor still to dress 206 

This garden, still to tend plant, herb, and flower, 
Our pleasant task enjoined ; but till more hands 
Aid us, the work under our labor grows. 
Luxurious by restraint ; what we by day 
Lop overgrown, or prune, or prop, or bind, 210 

One night or two with wanton o-rowth derides, 
Tending to wild. Thou therefore now advise, 
Or hear what to my mind first thoughts present ; — 
Let us divide our labors, thou where choice 
Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind 
The woodbine round this arbor, or direct 216 

The clasping ivy where to climb ; while I, 
In yonder spring of roses intermixed 
With myrtle, find what to redress till noon ; 
For while so near each other thus all day 220 

Our task we choose, what wonder if so near 
Looks intervene and smiles, or object new 
Casual discourse draw on, which intermits 
Our day's work brought to little, though begun 
Early, and the hour of supper comes unearned/"* 22fi 

To whom mild answer Adam thus returned : 

197. grateful. See VIII. 55. made luxuriant by our restraint 

198. their vocal lonrskip. See our effort to check its growth. 
Ihe Morning Hymn, V. 152-208. 215. viost needs, is most need. 

199. tran^mf, M'ithout — par- 218. spring, clump or smaL 
lake, partake of; enjoy. thicket. 

200. prime, first and best. 219. redress, set right. 
209 Luxurious by restraint, 22.3. intermits, interrupts. 

224. brought, thus brought. 



fiooK IX.] PARADISE LOST. 253 

** Sole Eve, asso Jate sole, to me beyond 

Compare above all living creatures dear ! 

Well hast thou motioned, well thy thoughts employed 

How we might well fulfil the work which here 230 

God hath assigned us, nor of me shalt pass 

Unpraised ; for nothing lovelier can be found 

In woman, than to study household good 

And good works in her husband to promote. 

Yet not so strictly hath our Lord imposed 235 

Labor, as to debar us when we need 

Refreshment, whether food, or talk between, 

Food of the mind, or this sweet intercourse 

Of looks and smiles ; for smiles from reason flow, 

To brute denied, and are of love the food, 240 

Love not the lowest end of human life : 

For not to irksome toil, but to delight, 

He made us, and delight to reason joined. 

These paths and bowers doubt not but our joint hands 

Will keep from wilderness with ease, as wide 245 

As we need walk, till younger hands ere long 

Assist us : but if much converse perhaps 

Thee satiate, to short absence I could yield ; 

For solitude sometimes is best society^ 

And short retirement urges sweet return. 250 

But other doubt possesses nn , lest harm 

Befall thee severed from me ; for thou know'st 

What hath been warned us, jvhat malicious foe, 

Envying our happiness and of his own 

Despairing, seeks to work us wc* and shame 255 

By sly assault ; and somewhere nigh at hand 

Watches, no doubt, with greedy hope to find 

THis wish and best advantage) us asunder, 

Hopeless to circumvent us joined, where each 

To other speedy aid might lend at need : aw 

Whether his first design be to withdraw 

228. Compare, comparison, 229. 7notioned, proposed 



254 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

Our fealty from God, or to disturb 

Conjugal lore, than which perhaps no bliss 

Enjoyed by us excites his envy more ; 

Or this, or worse, leave not the faithful side 285 

That gave thee being, still shades thee and protects. 

The wife, where danger or dishonor lurks, 

Safest and seemliest by her husband stays, 

Who guards her, or with her the worst endures." 

To whom the virgin majesty of Eve, 270 

As one who loves and some unkindness meets, 
With sweet austere composure thus replied : 

" Offspring of Heaven and Earth, and all Earth's 

lord! 
That such an enemy we have who seeks 
Our ruin, both by thee informed I learn 275 

And from the parting angel overheard, 
As in a shady nook I stood behind, 
Just then returned at shut of evening flowers. 
But that thou shouldst my firmness therefore doubt 
To God or thee, because we have a foe 280 

May tempt it, I expected not to hear. 
His violence thou fear'st not, being such 
As we, not capable of death or pain. 
Can either not receive or can repel. 
His fraud is then thy fear, which plain infers 265 

Thy equal fear that my firm faith and love 
Can by his fraud be shaken or seduced ; 
Thoughts, which how found they harbor in thy 

breast, 
Adam, misthought of her to thee so dear ? *' 

To whom with healing words Adam replied : 290 

265. Or this, or worse, -whether 288. harbor, a resting-place. 
Ibis or worse than this be hia 
design. 



Book IX-T FARADFSE LOST. 255 

'* DaugUtcr of God and man, Immortal Eve ! 

For such thou art, from sin and blame entire ; 

Not diffident of thee do I dissuade 

Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid 

The attempt itself, intended by our foe. 295 

For he who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses 

The tempted with dishonor foul, supposed 

Not Incorruptible of faith, not proof 

Against temptation : thou thyself with scorn 

And anger wouldst resent the offered wrong, 300 

Though ineffectual found ; misdeem not then 

If such affront I labor to avert 

From thee alone, which on us both at once 

The enemy, though bold, will hardly dare, 

Or daring, first on me the assault shall light. 80ft 

Nor thou his malice and false guile contemn ; 

Subtle he needs must be, who could seduce 

Angels ; nor think superfluous others' aid. 

I from the Influence of thy looks receive 

Access In every virtue. In thy sight 310 

More wise, more watchful, stronger. If need were 

Of outward strength ; while shame, thou looking on, 

Shame to be overcome or overreached, 

Would utmost vigor raise, and raised unite. 

Why shouldst not thou like sense within thee feel 315 

When I am present, and thy trial choose 

With me, best witness of thy virtue tried ? " 

So spake domestic Adam in his care 
And matrimonial love ; but Eve, who thought 
Less attributed to her faith sincere, saa 

Thus her reply with accent sweet renewed : 



" If this be our condition, thus to dwell 

292. entire^ wholly free. 310. Access, addition ; inc« 

293. diffident. See VIII. 562. 314. unite, join ia one the 
296. a5;>erse5, stains ; tarnishes, most vigor of all my powers. 
a08 otkers', if not other's. 320. Less, too Uttle. 



256 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

In narrow circuit straitened by a foe 

Subtle or violent, we not endued 

Single with like defence wherever met, 3SI5 

How are we happy, still in fear of harm ? 

But harm precedes not sin : only our foe 

Tempting affronts us with his foul esteem 

Of our integrity ; his foul esteem 

Sticks no dishonor on our front, but turns 830 

Foul on himself; then wherefore shunned or feared 

By us ? who rather double honor gain 

From his surmise proved false, find peace within, 

Favor from Heaven, our witness from the event. 

And what is faith, love, virtue, unassayed 3S5 

Alone Avithout exterior help sustained ? 

Let us not then suspect our happy state 

Left so imperfect by the Maker wise, 

As not secure to single or combined. 

Frail is our happiness, if this be so, 84o 

And Eden were no Eden thus exposed." 

To whom thus Adam fervently replied : 
" O woman, best are all things as the will 
Of God ordained them ; his creating hand 
Nothing imperfect or deficient left 345 

Of all that he created, much less man, 
Or aught that might his happy state secure. 
Secure from outward force ; within himself 
The danger lies, yet lies within his power ; 
Against his will he can receive no harm. 35C 

But God left free the will, for what obeys 

324,325. "We, wherever we may 336. Alone, when alone. The 

be met, not being endued, sepa- meaning is, \Vliat is faith, love 

rate from each other, with the virtue, if it has not been put to 

name defence as if together. the proof when by itself, an(} 

8S0. front, forehead; brow. without the aid of others ? 

331. from the event, from what 339. As not to be secure to us 

ensues and proves our fidelity. both, whether separate or to 

335. tinassnyed, untried; not gether. 

put to the proof. 347. Or aught, or left aupV 
imperfect. 



BooKlX.l PARADISE LOST. 257 

Reason is free, and reason he made right, 

But bid her well be ware and still erect, 

Lest by some fair-appearing good surprised 

She dictate false, and misinform the will 866 

To do what God expressly hath forbid 

Not then mistrust but tender love enjoins 

That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me. 

Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve, 

Since reason not impossibly may meet 360 

Some specious object by the foe suborned. 

And fall into deception unaware, 

Not keeping strictest Avatch, as she was warned. 

Seek not temptation then, Avhich to avoid 

Were better, and most likely if from me 866 

Thou sever not : trial will come unsought. 

Wouldst thou approve thy constancy, approve 

First thy obedience ; the other who can know, 

Not seeing thee attempted, who attest ? 

But if thou think trial unsought may find 870 

Us both securer than thus warned thou seem'st, 

Go ; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more ; 

Go in thy native innocence, rely 

On what thou hast of virtue, summon all ; 374 

For God towards thee hath done his part, do thine.** 

So spake the patriarch of mankind ; but Eve 
Persisted ; yet submiss, though last, replied : 

" With thy permission then, and thus forewarned, 
Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning Avords 
Touched only, that our trial Avhen least sought 380 

353. ivare, wary. — erect, up- 868. the other, thj constsiucy. 

right ; on her guard. 369. attemptecJ, tried. — ivh-a 

358. mind, remind; put in a«f.<;/, who can bear witness to it. 

^nd 371. securer, less distrustful or 

365. viost likely, which is most watchful of ourselves ; less pro- 

likely to be avoided. •pamd.—thou seenvst, thou seem- 

367 approve, prove. est to be, or to consider thyself. 

17 



258 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

May find ns both perhaps far less prepared, 

The willinger I go, nor much expect 

A foe so proud will first the weaker seek ; 

So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse.*' 

Thus saying, fi-om her husband's hand her hand 388 
Soft she withdrew, and like a wood-nymph light, 
Oread, or Dryad, or of Delia's train. 
Betook her to the groves ; but Delia's self 
In gait surpassed, and goddess-like deport. 
Though not as she with bow and quiver armed, 390 
But with such gardening tools as art yet rude, 
Guiltless of fire, had formed, or angels brought. 
To Pales or Pomona, thus adorned 
Likest she seemed, Pomona when she fled 
Vertumnus, or to Ceres in her prime, 395 

ret virgin of Proserpina from Jove. 
Her long with ardent look his eye pursued 
Delighted, but desiring more her stay. 
Oft he to her his charge of quick return 
Repeated ; she to him as oft engaged 4C0 

To be returned by noon amid the bower, 
And all things in best order to invite 
Noontide repast or afternoon's repose. 
O much deceived, much failing, hapless Eve, 
Of thy presumed return ! event perverse ! 405 

384. So bent, if so bent ; if he the aid of fire. The ancients fa- 
is so inclined. bled that fire was stolen from 

387. Oread ^ or Dryad. The heaven. 

Oreads were nymphs of the 893. Pales was a rural divin- 

mountains, and the Dryads of ity among the Romans. Pomona 

the trees. (see V. 378) was beloved by Yer- 

388. Delia's self. Diana was «!W7w?/5. the god of fruit, 
sometimes called Delia, from De- 393-395. Thus adorned, sh* 
los, the place of her birth. She seemed likest to Pales or Pomona 
was the goddess of the chase, and to Pomona, when she fled Ver 
Is represented among her attend- tuninus. 

ant nymphs as of lofty stature 395. Ceres. See IV. 271. 
and noble mien, witk 'boiv and 396. Before she had become bj 

quiver armed. Jupiter the mother of Proserpine 

389. deport., port ; bearing. 402. And^ and to have. 
892. G-uiltless of fire, without 405. presumed, anticipated 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 2h^ 

Tliou never from tliat hour In Paradise 

Found'st either s\\'eet repast or sound repose ; 

Such ambush liid among sweet flowers and shades 

Waited with hellish rancor imminent 

To Intercept thy way, or send thee back 410 

Despoiled of Innocence, of faith, of bliss. 

For now, and since first break of dawn, the Fiend, 

Mere serpent In appearance, forth was come, 

And on his quest where likeliest he might find 

The only two of mankind, but in them 415 

The whole Included race, his purposed prey. 

In bower and field he sought, where any tuft 

Of grove or garden-plot more pleasant lay, 

Their tendance or plantation for delight ; 

By fountain or by shady rivulet 420 

He sought them both, but wished his hap might find 

Eve separate ; he wished, but not with hope 

Of what so seldom chanced, when to his wish. 

Beyond his hope. Eve separate he spies, 

Veiled in a cloud of fragrance, where she stood, 425 

Half spied, so thick the roses bushing round 

About her glowed, oft stooping to support 

Each flower of slender stalk, whose head, though gay 

Carnation, purple, azure, or specked Avith gold, 

Hung drooping unsustained ; them she upstays 400 

Gently with myrtle band, mindless the while 

Herself, though fairest unsupported flower, 

From her best prop so far, and storms so nigh. 

Nearer he drew, and many a walk traversed 

Of stateliest covert, cedar, pine, or palm ; 435 

Then voluble and bold, now hid, now seen, 

imong thick-woven arborets and flowers 

409. i m ?ninpnt, close &thn.rx6.. 432. though fairest. See IV. 

419. Their ten(/nnce, thtiirvrcvk, 270. 

to be tended oy them. 436. vohihlf^ moving in serpeDt 

431. 7nindless, not minding; fold?: ; rolling on. 

forgetful (if. — the while, whUo 437. arborets^ shrubs or small 

6he was thus occupied. trees. 



160 PARADISE LOST. [Book LX. 

Imbordered on each bank, the hand of Eve : 

Spot more delicious than those gardens feigned 

Or of revived Adonis, or renowned ifA 

Alcinous, host of old Laertes' son, 

Or that, not mystic, Avhere the sapi»^nt king 

Held dalliance with his fair Egyptian spouse. 

Much he the place admired, the person more : 

As one who long in populous city pent 445 

Where houses thick and sewers annoy the air, 

Forth issuing on a summer's morn to breathe 

Among the pleasant villages and farms 

Adjoined, from each thing met conceives delight, 

The smell of grain, or tedded grass, or kine, 460 

Or dairy, each rural sight, each rural sound ; 

If chance with nymph-like step fair virgin pass. 

What pleasing seemed for her now pleases more, 

She most, and in her look sums all delight : — 

Such pleasure took the serpent to behold 466 

This flowery plat, the sweet recess of Eve 

Thus early, thus alone. Her heavenly form 

Angelic, but more soft and feminine. 

Her graceful innocence, her every air 

Of gesture, or least action, overawed 460 

His malice, and with rapine sweet bereaved 

His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought. 

That space the evil one abstracted stood 

From his own evil, and for the time remained 

Stupidly good, of enmity disarmed, 466 

Of guile, of hate, of envy, of revenge ; 

438. handi handiwork. 446. annoy, make roxious ; In- 

440. Or. whether. — revived feet. 

Adonis. See I. 446-452. 450. tedded, shaken out to drj 

441. Alcinous. See V. 341. — after having been mowed. 

old Laertes'' son., Ulysses. 452. nymph-like. See line 386. 

442. not miislic, not taken as 454. sums^ siuns up ; completes 
mystic or allegorical, although de- the sum of. 

icribed in the Song of Solomon. 461. rapine sweet, sweet via- 

— the sapient king, Solomon. lence. 

443. Egyptian spouse. Set 1 463. That space, for that Bpao« 
Sings Til. 8. of time. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 

But the hot hell that always In him burns, 
Though in mid Heaven, soon ended his delight, 
And tortures him now more, the more he sees 
Of pleasure not for him ordained : then soon 
Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts 
Of mischief, gratulating, thus excites : 



470 



" Thoughts, whither have ye led me ? with what 
sweet 
Compulsion thus transported to forget 
What hither brought us ? hate, not love, nor hope 
Of Paradise for Hell, hope here to taste 476 

Of pleasure, but all pleasure to destroy, 
Save what is in destroying ; other joy 
To me is lost. Then let me not let pass 
Occasion which now smiles ; behold alone 48O 

The woman, opportune to all attempts, 
Her husband (for I view far round) not nigh, 
Whose higher Intellectual more I shun. 
And strength, of courage haughty, and of limb 
Heroic built, though of terrestrial mould, 486 

Foe not Informidable, exempt from wound, 
I not ; so much hath Hell debased and pain 
Enfeebled me, to what I was In Heaven. 
She fair, divinely fair, fit love for gods, 
Not terrible, though terror be In love 490 

And beauty not approached by stronger hate, 
Hate stronger under show of love well feigned, 
The way which to her ruin now I tend." 

So spake the enemy of mankind, enclosed 
In serpent, inmate bad, and toward Eve 495 

467 . See IV. 75. 484. haughty^ better perhaps 

471. recollfcts. See I. 528. without the comma. 

472. gratulating, rejoii-ing. 4S7. not, not exempt. 
479, 480. let pass occasion, lose 4S8. to, compared with. 

ttie opportunity. 491. 7tnt, if not. 

483 intellectual, Intellect. 493 which, on or by which 

— itnri, movA 



262 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

Addressed his way, not with indented wave, 

Prone on tlie ground, as since, but on bis rear, 

Circular base of rising folds that towered, 

Fold above fold, a surging maze, his head 

Crested aloft, and carbuncle his eyes, 60(1 

With burnished neck of verdant gold, erect 

Amidst his circling spires, that on the grass 

Floated redundant : pleasing Avas his shape 

And lovely, never since of serpent kind 

Lovelier ; not those that in Illyria changed 605 

Hermione and Cadmus, or the god 

In Epidaurus ; nor to which transformed 

Ammonian Jove, or Capitoline, was seen. 

He with Olympias, this with her who bore 

Scipio, the height of Rome. With tract oblique 610 

At first, as one who sought access but feared 

To interrupt, sidelong he works his way. 

As when a ship by skilful steersman wrought. 

Nigh river's mouth or foreland where the wind 

Veers oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail ; 515 

So varied he, and of his tortuous train 

496. indented,, in and out, like piter Ammon, was worshipped at 

the teeth of a saw. Ammonium, an oasis in the Ll- 

499. surging,, rising; rising in byan desert. — Capitoline, im^X' 

wayes. ter CapitoUuus, the Jupiter of 

505. those that in Blyrla chang- the Capitol at Rome. 

e<i, that is, changed into them- 509. He, Ammonian .Tore, — 

selves. with, together with. — Oti/mpiai 

506, 7. Hermione. Ilarmonia was the mother of Alexander the 
(not Hermione.) was the wife of Great, who, when he visited the 
Cadmus, the founder of Tliebes. temple of .lupiter Ammon, was 
They went to Illyria, a country saluted by the priests as the son 
to the northwest of Greece, where of the god. — this, the Capitoliae 
they were said to have been final- Jove, who was fabled to be the 
ly changed into serpents. — the father of Publius Cornelius ScZ/jjo 
god. Jisculapius, the god of suruauied Africanus. He was 
ii"«dicine, who frequently ap- the conqueror of Hannibal, and 
peared in the form of a serpent, one of the greatest men, the 
was worshipped in Ejudaiinis, in height, of Rome. 

the southeastern part of Greece, 510. tract oblique,, course indi- 

where the ruins of his temple are rect. 
still to be seen. — to ivhich, that 511. access, approach. 
to which. 514. foreland^ jutting ca|« 

608. Ammonian Jove, or Ju- headland. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 268 

Culled many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve, 

To lure her eye : she busied heard the sound 

Of rustling leaves, but minded not, as used 

To such disport before her through the field 520 

From every beast, more duteous at her call 

Than at Circean call the herd disguised. 

He bolder now uncalled before her stood, 

But as in gaze admiring : oft he bowed 

His turret crest and sleek enamelled neck, 525 

Fawning, and licked the ground whereon she trod. 

His gentle dumb expression turned at length 

The eye of Eve to mark his play ; he, glad 

Of her attention gained, with serpent tongue 

Organic or impulse of vocal air 630 

His fraudulent temptation thus began 

" Wonder not, sovran mistress, If perhaps 
Thou canst, who art sole wonder ; much less arm 
Thy looks, the heaven of mildness, with disdain, 
Displeased that I approach thee thus and gaze 535 
Insatiate, I thus single, nor have feared 
Thy awful brow, more awful thus retired. 
Fairest resemblance of thy Maker flilr. 
Thee all things living gaze on, all things thine 
By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore 541 

With ravishment beheld, there best beheld 
Where universally admired : but here 
In this enclosure wild, these beasts among 
(Beholders rude, and shallow to discern 
Half what in thee is flilr), one man except 545 

622. at Circean call, at the call 530. Organic, used as the or- 

of Circe. Circe was a sorceress gan of speech. — or impulse of 

on whose island some of tht vocal air, or causing the sounds 

eonipanions of Ulysses landed, by impressions on the air. 

By her arts thev were changed 537. retired . withdrawn; alone 

into swine, die he'rd i/issniseJ. 542. Where, where it might be 

."S'io. tioret turret-like tcv- 
JxinK 



264 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

Who sees tliee (and what is one ?), who sliouldst be 

seen 
A goddess among gods, adored and served 
By angels numberless, thy daily train." 

So glozed the Tempter, and his proem tuned : 
Into the heart of Eve his words made way, 55c 

Though at the voice much marvelling : at length 
Not uuamazed she thus in answer spake : 

" What may this mean ? language of man pro- 
nounced 
^^Y tongue of brute, and human sense expressed ! 
The first at least of these I thought denied 655 

To beasts, whom God on their creation-day 
Created mute to all articulate sound ; 
The latter I demur, for in their looks 
Much reason, and in their actions, oft appears. 
Thee, serpent, subtlest beast of all the field stjo 

I knew, but not with human voice endued. 
Redouble then this miracle, and say 
How cam'st thou speakable of mute, and how 
To me so friendly grown above the rest 
Of brutal kind that daily are in sight ; 665 

Say, for such wonder claims attention due." 

To whom the guileful Tempter thus replied : 
•' Empress of this fair world, resplendent Eve I 
Eaosy to me it is to tell thee all 

What thou command'st, and right thou shouldiat be 
obeyed. 670 

I was at first, as other beasts that graze 

549. glozed, spoke fair and sem^t- has been denied to beasts 

false. —;;roe?n, preface; intro- I doubt, 
iuction. 561 / knew. I knew to b«i. 

558. The latter I demur, of the 563. sp'^akable ot j^-iuie. able to 

latter (that is, whether human speak, having been dumb. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 265 

The trodden herb, of abject thoughts and low, 

As was my food ; nor aught but food discerned 

Or sex, and apprehended nothing high : 

Till on a day roving the field I chanced 678 

A goodly tree far distant to behold, 

Loaden with fruit of fairest colors mixed, 

iluddy and gold. I nearer drew to gaze ; 

When from the boughs a savory odor blown, 

Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense 680 

Than smell of sweetest fennel, or the teats 

Of ewe or goat dropping with milk at even, 

Unsucked of lamb or kid that tend their play. 

To satisfy the sharp desire I had 

Of tasting those fair apples I resolved 686 

Not to defer ; hunger and thirst at once, 

Powerful persuaders, quickened at the scent 

Of that alluring fruit, urged me so keen. 

About the mossy trunk I Avound me soon, 

For high from ground the branches would require 690 

Thy utmost reach or Adam's : round the tree 

All other beasts that saw, with like desire 

Longing and envying stood, but could not reach. 

Amid the tree now got, where plenty hung 

Tempting so nigh, to pluck and eat my fill 585 

I spared not, for such pleasure till that hour 

At feed or fountain never had I found. 

Sated at length, ere long I might perceive 

Strange alteration In me to degree 

Of reason In my Inward powers, and speech 600 

Wanted not long, though to this shape retained. 

Thenceforth to speculations high or deep 

\ turned my thoughts, and with capacious mind 

Considered all things visible In heaven. 



580. Grateful. See line 197. 599. to des:ree, even to the de- 

683. tend, attend to gree or heislit. 

601. thoiish, though I waa. 



866 PARADISE LDST. [Book EL 

Or earth, or middle, all things fan' and good : dOB 

But all that fair and good in thy divine 
Semblance and in thy beauty's heavenly ray 
United I beheld ; no fair to thine 
Equivalent or second, which compelled 
Me thus, though importune perhaps, to come 610 

And gaze, and worshij) thee of right declared 
Sovran of creatures, universal dame." 

So talked the spirited sly snake ; and Eve, 
Yet more amazed, unwary thus replied : 
" Serj)ent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt 616 

The virtue of that fruit, in thee first j)roved : 
But say, where grows the tree, from hence how far ? 
For many are .the trees of God that grow 
In Paradise and various, yet unknown 
To us ; in such abundance lies our choice 620 

As leaves a greater store of fruit untouched, 
Still hanging incorruptible, till men 
Grow up to their provision, and more hands 
Help to disburden Nature of her birth." 

To whom the wily adder, blithe and glad : 625 

" Empress, the way is ready and not long ; 
Beyond a row of myrtles, on a flat 
Fast by a fountain, one small thicket past 
Of blowing myrrh and balm : if thou accept 
My conduct, I can bring thee thither soon." 630 

" Lead then," said Eve- He leading swiftly rolled 
In tanf2;les, and made intricate seem straight. 



606. middle^ between heaven 613. spirited, possessed by a 

fcud earth. spirit. 

610. importune^ troublesome. 623. their provision^ what is 

612. dame, or mistress. This provided for them, 

rord was formerly a title of 628. Fast by. See I. 12 

honor 630. conduct, guidance 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 267 

To mischief swift : hope elevates and joy 
Brightens his crest. As when a wandering fire, 
Compact of unctuous vapor, which the night 631 

Condenses and the cold environs round, 
Kindled through agitation to a flame 
(Which oft, they say, some evil spirit attends) 
Hovering and blazing with delusive light, 
Misleads°the amazed night-wanderer from his way 640 
To bogs and mires and oft through pond or pool, 
There swallowed up and lost, from succor far ; 
So glistered the dire snake, and into fraud 
Led Eve, our credulous mother, to the tree 
Of prohibition, root of all our woe ; 645 

Which when she saw, thus to her guide sho spake : 

" Serpent, we might have spared our coming hither, 
Fruitless to me, though fruit be here to excess, 
The credit of whose virtue rest with thee ; 
Wondrous indeed, if cause of such effects. 650 

But of this tree we may not taste nor touch ; 
God so commanded, and left that command 
Sole daughter of his voice ; the rest, we live 
Law to ourselves, our reason is our law.'* 

To Avhom the Tempter guilefully replied : ^ 656 
" Indeed ! hath God then said that of the fruit 
Of all these garden trees ye shall not eat, 
Yet lords declared of all in earth or air ? " 

6M. a wnn<1erirm fire, the will 649. Let belief in its virtue rest 

o' the wisp or ignis fatuus. on thy authority. 

635. compact, compacted; 650. (/^m«s., if itbe thecaii»e. 
formed 653. Sole daughter of Im voice, 

636. environs round, surrounds his only word. - the rest, with r& 
638. attnids, tends. gard to the rest. 

642. swallowed, to be swallow- 654. Law, as law. 

g^ ' 658. See Genesis in. 1. 

643. fraiid, probably hurt or 65'\ YH Icds declared, al 
damage, as in Latin . though declared to be lords. 

644. the tree of prohibition, the 
forbidden tree. See I. 1. 



268 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

To whom tluifi Eve, yet sinless : " Of the fruit 
Of each tree in the garden we may eat ; 660 

But of the fruit of this fair tree amidst 
The garden, God hath said, ' Ye shall not eat 
Diereof, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.' " 

She scarce had said, though brief, when now more 
bold 
The Tempter, but with show of zeal and love 666 

To man and indignation at his wrong, 
New part puts on, and as to passion moved 
Fluctuates disturbed, yet comely, and in act 
Raised, as of some great matter to begin. 
As when of old some orator renowned, 670 

In Athens or free Rome, where eloquence 
Flourished since mute, to some great cause addressed, 
Stood in himself collected, while each part, 
Motion, each act, won audience ere the tongue ; 
Sometimes in height began, as no delay b7f 

Or preface brooking through his zeal of right: 
So standing, moving, or to height up-grown, 
The Tempter, all impassioned, thus began : 

" O sacred, wise, and wisdom-giving plant, 
Mother of science ! now I feel thy power ggo 

Within me clear, not only to discern 
Things in their causes, but to trace the ways 
Of highest agents, deemed however wise. 
Queen of this universe, do not believe 
Those rigid threats of death ; ye shall not die : 68o 
How should ye V by the fruit ? it gives you life 

669. See Genesis iii. 2, 3. 675. in height, at the height of 

667. New part puts on, plays or his subject. — as, as if. 
assumes a new part. — as, as if. 676. of, for. 

668. Fluctuates, moves to and 680. science, knowledge. 

fro. — in act raised as, raised as 683. deevied however wise, how 

If in the act or on the point of ever wise they mav be deemed, 
beginning. 685. Ye shall 'not die. Uee 

674. audience, readiness to Genesis iii 4 
'aear. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 269 

To knowledge ; by the threatener ? look on me, 

Me who have touched and tasted, yet both live, 

And life more perfect have attained than fate 

Meant me, by venturing higher than my lot. 380 

Shall that be shut to man, which to the beast 

Is open ? or will God incense his ire 

For such a petty trespass, and not praise 

Rather your dauntless virtue, Avhom the pain 

Of death denounced (whatever thing death be) 39fi 

Deterred not from achieving what might lead 

To happier life, knowledge of good and evil ? 

Of good, how just ? of evil (if what is evil 

Be real), Avhy not known, since easier shunned ^ 

God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just ; 700 

Not just, not God ; not feared then, nor obeyed : 

Your fear itself of death removes the fear. 

Why then Avas this forbid ? Why but to awe ; 

Why but to keep ye low and ignorant. 

His worshippers ? He knows that in the day 705 

Ye eat thereof your eyes, that seem so clear 

Yet are but dim, shall perfectly be then 

Opened and cleared, and ye shall be as gods, 

Knowing both good and evil as they know. 

That ye shall be as gods, since I as man, 710 

Internal man, is but proportion meet ; 

I, of brute, human ; ye, of human, gods. 

So ye shall die perhaps, by putting off 

Human, to put on gods ; death to be wished, 

692. j«ff?K<;p, kindle; set on fire, thereof, then your eyes shall b« 

695. )'/^«o««ce(^, threatened. opened; and ye shall he as gods, 

698. Of good, hoiv just, if it be knownig good and evil." Genesit 
knowledge of good, how can tliis iii. 5. 

prohibition be just? — 0/ evil, if 710. Since J, since I am. 
knowledge of evil. 711. Internal man, inwardly, 

699. u'hi/ not knoivn, why or iji mind, human. 

should it not be known. 712. jf brute, from brute mad« 

701. not just, if not just. — human. 

not feared, not to be feared. 713. So, thus. 

702. the fear, the fear of him. 714. U'isiied, desired ; wished 
708. as gods. " For God doth for. 

know that in the day ye eat 



270 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

riiougli threatened, whicli no worse than this can 

bring. 
And what are gods that man may net become 
As they, participating godlike food ? 
The gods are first, and that advantage use 
On our belief, that all from them proceeds. 
I question it ; for this fair earth I see, 72C 

Warmed by the sun, producing every kind, 
Them nothing : if they all things, who enclosed 
Knowledge of good and evil in this tree. 
That whoso eats thereof forthwith attains 
Wisdom Avithout their leave ? and wherein lies 726 
The offence, that Man should thus attain to know ? 
What can your knowledge hurt him, or this tree 
Impart against his will, if all be his ? 
Or is it envy ? and can envy dwell 
In heavenly breasts ? These, these, and many more 
Causes import your need of this fiiir fruit. 731 

Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste." 

He ended, and his words replete with guile 
Into her heart too easy entrance won. 
Fixed on the fruit she gazed, which to behold 736 

Might tempt alone, and in her ears the sound 
Yet rung of his persuasive words, impregned 
With reason, to her seeming, and with truth. 
Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and waked 
An eager appetite, raised by the smell 74ff 

So savory of that fruit, which with desire, 
Inclinable now grown to touch or taste, 

718. that advantage use on our 732. humane^ human, from tho 

belief, take advantage of that Latin " humanus." 

(that is, of their being first in 735. which to behold alone, only 

order of time) to make us believe, the sight of which. 

722. Them nothing,! see them 737. ('m/vreg-rte^/, impregnated 

producing nothing. — if they, if filled, 

they produce. 733. to her seeming, as it seem< 

727. him. See Una 700. ed to her. 

"^31 import, imply. 742. Inclinable, inclined or ln« 
dining. 



Book IX. ) PARADISE LOST. 271 

Solicited her longing eye ; yet first 

Pausing awhile thus to herself she mused : 744 

" Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits, 
Though kept from man, and worthy to be admired, 
Whose taste, too long forborne, at first assay 
Gave elocution to the mute, and taught 
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise : 
Thy praise he also who forbids thy use 760 

Conceals not from us, naming thee the Tree 
Of Knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil ; 
Forbids us then to taste, but his forbidding 
Commends thee more, while it infers the good 
By thee communicated, and our want : 766 

For good unknown sure is not had, or had 
And yet unknown is as not had at all. 
In plain then, what forbids he but to know, 
Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise ? 
Such prohibitions bind not. But if death 760 

Bind us with after-bands, what profits then 
Our inward freedom ? In the day we eat 
Of this fair fruit, our doom is, we shall die. 
How dies the serpent ? he hath eaten and lives, 
And knows, and speaks, and reasons, and discerns, 
Irrational till then. For us alone ^ee 

Was death invented ? or to us denied 
This intellectual food, for beasts reserved ? 
For beasts it seems : yet that one beast which first 
Hath tasted envies not, but brings with joy 7rc 

The good befallen him, author unsuspect, 
Friendly to man, far from deceit or guile. 



747. assay, trial. 758. In plain, to speak plainly 

748. e^o^K^/o?!, power of speech — ^o fcno?t', knowledge. 

"^51. naming thee. See Genesis 761. with nftpr-hmids, after 

li. 17. wards with his bauds. 

755. our want, our need of it. 772 author unsuspfct, author 

757. is 05, is as if it were. \ty or voucher above suspicion. 



272 PARADISE LOST. [Book DC 

What fear I then ? rather, what know to fear 

Under this ignorance of good and evil, 7?l 

Of God or death, of law or penalty ? 

Here grows the cure of all, this fruit divine. 

Fair to the eye, inviting to the taste. 

Of virtue to make wise : what hinders then 

To reach, and feed at once both body and mind ? " 

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour 780 

Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she eat : 
Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat, 
Sighing through all her works, gave signs of woe 
That all was lost. Back to the thicket slunk 
The guilty serpent, and well might ; for Eve, 785 

Intent now wholly on her taste, nought else 
Regarded ; such delight till then, as seemed, 
In fruit she never tasted, whether true - 
Or fancied so through expectation high 
Of knowledge ; nor was godhead from her thought. 
Greedily she ingorged without restraint, 791 

And knew not eating death. Satiate at length, 
And heightened as with wine, jocund and boon. 
Thus to herself she pleasingly began : 

" O sovran, virtuous, precious of all trees 796 

In Paradise ! of operation blest 
To sapience, hitherto obscured, infamed, 

774. ivhat knoiv, what do I 790. nor urns godhead from 

know. her i/io;/g-/i;, she remembered that 

778. Of virtue., able. the serpent had declared, " Y« 

781. "And when the woman saw shall be as gods." 

that the tree was good for food, 791. ingorged., devoured ; swal- 

and that it was pleasant to the lowed with eagerness, 

eyes, and a tree to be desired to 792. knew not eating., knew 

make one wise, she took of the not that she was eating. 

fruit thereof, and did eat." Gen- 793. boon., merry ; gay. 

esis iii. 6. 794. pleasingly, complacently. 

787. as seemed, as it seemed to 798. operation, working. 

nor. 797. To sapience, to product 

788. lohether true, whether the wisdom. — infamed^ slandered, 
delight was real. 



Book IX. 1 PARADISE LOST. 273 

And thy fair fruit let liang, as to no end 

Created ; C)ut henceforth my early care, 

Not without song each morning and due pi also, 800 

Shall tend theej()and the fertile burden ease 

Of thy full branches, offered free to all ; 

Till dieted by thee I gi-ow mature 

In knowledge, as the gods who all things know, 

Though othei-s envy what they cannot give ; 806 

For had the gift been theirs, it had not here 

Thus grown. Experience, next to thee I owe, 

Best guide ; not following thee I had remained 

In ignorance ; thou open'st wisdom's way. 

And giv'st access, though secret she retire : 810 

And I perhaps am secret ; Heaven is high. 

High and remote to see from thence distinct 

Each thing on earth ; and other care perhaps 

May have diverted from continual watch 

Our great forjjidder, safe with all his spies 815 

About him. ( But to Adam in wliat sort 

Shall I appear ? shall I to him make known 

As yet my change, and give him to partake 

Full happiness with me, or rather not, 

But keep the odds of knowledge in my power 820 

Without copartner ? so to add what wants 

In female sex, the more to draw his love7\ 

And render me more equal, and perhaps, 

A thing not undesirable, sometime 

Superior ; for inferior who is free ? 826 

This may be well : t[but what if God have seen, 

805. Though others envy, and remained, if I had not foUo-wed 
yet they (the gods) desire selfi.sh- thee, I should have remained. 

ly to withhold from others. 81*0. secret, unseen ; apart. 

Some by others understand g-o</5. 811. And I perhaps a>n secret, 

806. haiJ the gift, if the gift, or what I hare done is perhaps 
power of giving, had been theirs, unknown. " Yet they say, the 
it would not have here grown. Lord shall not see." Psalm JciT. 

807. Give, am indebted. 7. 

803. net following thee I had 821. wants, is wanting. 

18 



274 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

And death ensue ? tben T sliall be no more, 

And Adam, wedded to another Eve, 

Shall live with her enjoyhig, I extinct ; 

A death to think ! Confirmed then I resolve, 83C 

Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe : 

So dear I love him, that with him all deathj 

I could endure, without him live no life 



eatiis 

-7 



So saying, from the tree her step she turned, 
But first low reverence done, as to the power 336 

That dwelt within, Avhose presence had infused 
Into the plant sciential sap, derived 
From nectar, drink of gods. Adam the while. 
Waiting desirous her return, had wove 
Of choicest fiowers a garland to adorn 840 

Her tresses, and her rural labors crown, 
As reapers oft are wont their harvest queen. 
Great joy he promised to his thoughts, and new 
Solace in her return, so long delayed ; 
Yet oft his heart, divine of something ill, 845 

Misgave him ; he the faltering measure felt, 
And forth to meet her went, the way she took 
That morn when first they parted. By the Tree 
Of Knowledge he must pass, there he her met. 
Scarce from the tree returning ; in her hand 850 

A bough of fairest fruit, that downy smiled, 
New gathered, and ambrosial smell diffused. 
To him she hasted ; in her face excuse 
Came prologue and apology to prompt, 864 

Which with bland words at will she thus addressed : 

830. A death to think, to \h\n\ 846. the faltering measure felt, 

of such a thing is itseU" a kind of felt his heart beat falteringly, 

death.— Conjinned. datevnuned. with nii.^giving. 

835. reverence done. This is 850. .SVrt/Tfi, hardly ; just, 

the case absolute. 854. prologue, preface or intro- 

837. sciential, giving knovrl- ductiou. — to prompt. Milton's 

edge, causing 'visdom. own editions have to, but most 

842. are xoont, are wont to do editors prefer too. 

fbr. 855. at will, at her ccmmand 

845. divine of, divining ; fore- 
boding. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 275 

" Hast thou not wondered, Adara, at my stay ? 
Thee I have missed, and thought It long, deprived 
Thy presence : agony of love till now 
Not felt, nor shall be twice, for never more 
Mean I to try, what rash untried I sought, 860 

The pain of absence from thy sight. But strange 
Hath been the cause, and wonderful to hear. 
^This tree is not, as we are told, a tree 
Of danger tasted, nor to evil unknown 
Opening the way, but of divine effect S65 

To open eyes, and make them gods who taste ;| 
And hath been tasted such. The serpent wis*^ 
Or not restrained as we, or not obeying, 
Hath eaten of the fruit, and is become. 
Not dead, as we are threatened, but henceforth 870 
Endued with human voice and human sense, 
"Reasoning to admiration, and with me 
Persuasively hath so prevailed, that I 
Have also tasted, and have also found 
The effects to correspond ; opener mine eyes 875 

Dim erst, dilated spirits, ampler heart. 
And growing up to godhead ; Avhich for thee 
Chiefly I sought, without thee can despise : 
For bliss, as thou hast part, to me is bliss ; 
Tedious, unshared with thee, and odious soon. 880 
Thou therefore also taste, that equal lot 
May join us, equal joy, as equal love ; 
Lest, thou not tasting, different degree 
Disjoin us, and I then too late renounce 
Deity for thee, when fate will not permit." 885 

Thus Eve with countenance blithe her story told ; 

R57. deprived^ deprived of; merly dim. — dilated spirits, ^• 

•without. lated are my spirits. — ample? 

664. tasted, -when tasted. heart, enlarged my heart. 

867. such, and found such. Sid. ai thou hast part^ just so 

868. Or, either. far as thou sharest. 
>576. Dim erst, -which were for- 



87G PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

But in her cheek distemper flushing glowed. 
On the other side, Adam, soon as he heard 
The fatal trespass done by Eve, amazed, 
Astonied stood and blank, while horroi chill 89C 

Ran through his veins, and all his joints relaxed ; 
From his slack hand the garland wreathed for Eve 
Down dropped, and all the faded roses shed : 
Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length 
Fii-st to himself he inward silence broke : 895 

" O fairest of creation, last and best 
Of all God's works, ci-eature in whom excelled 
Whatever can to sight or thought be formed 
Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet ! 
How art thou lost, how on a sudden lost, 900 

Defaced, deflowered, and now to death devote ! 
Rather, how hast thou yielded to transgress 
The strict forbiddance, how to violate 
The sacred fruit forbidden ! Some cursed fraud 
Of enemy hath beguiled thee, yet unknown, 905 

And me with thee hath ruined, for with thee, 
Certain my resolution is to die. 
How can I live without thee ! how forego 
Thy sweet converse, and love so dearly joined, 
To live again in these wild woods forlorn ! 910 

Should God create another Eve, and I 
Another rib afford, yet loss of thee 
Would never from my heart : no, no ! I feel 
The link of nature draw me ; flesh of flesh. 
Bone of my bone thou art, and from thy state 9lg 

Mine never shall be parted, bliss or woe." 

So having said, as one from sad dismay 

887. distemper^ disturbance. 909. converse^ society. 

890. astonied, astonishad. 913. from, be absent from. 

892. slack, grown weak. 915. Bone of my bone. Sm 

901. devote, devoted ; doomed. Genesis ii. 23. 



BooKlX.l PARADISE LOhT. 277 

Recoraforted, and after thoughts disturbed 

Submitting to what seemed remediless, 

Thus in calm mood his words to Eve he turned : 920 

" Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve, 
And peril great provoked, who thus hath dared, 
Had it been only coveting, to eye 
That sacred fruit, sacred to abstinence. 
Much more to taste it under ban to touch. 925 

But past who can recall, or done undo ? 
Not God omnipotent, nor Fate ; yet so 

OPerhaps thou shalt not die, perhaps the fact 
Is not so heinous now, foretasted fruit. 
Profaned fii-st by the serpent, by him first 930 

Made common and unhallowed ere our taste, 
Nor yet on him found deadly ; he yet lives. 
Lives, as thou said'st, and gains to live as man, 
Higher degree of life ; inducement strong 
To us, as likely tasting to attain 935 

Proportional ascent, which cannot be 
But to be gods, or angels demi-gods. 

Q^or can I think that God, Creator wise. 
Though threatening, will in earnest so destroy 
Us his prime creatures, dignified so high, 940 

Set over all his works, which in our fall, 
For us created, needs with us must fail, 
Dependent made ; C«o God shall uncreate, 
Be frustrate, do, undo, and labor lose ; 
Not well conceived of God, who, though his power 
Creation could repeat, yet would be loath 946 

919. remediless^ without rem- 929. foretasted fruit, the fruit 

edy. having been first tiisted. 

923. coveting^ with desire to 931. ere our taste, before w« 

taste. tasted. 

925. Much more, much more 9.3.5. tasting, if we taste, 

taet dared. — under fcan, forbid- 937. arigels, \f angels. 

iiux 94lO. prime, first in importanc'* 
944. f'ustrate, frustrated. 



278 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

Us to abolish, lest the Adversary 

Triumph and say, ' Fickle their state whom God 

Most favors ; who can please him long ? Me first 

He ruined, now mankind ; whom will he next ? * 950 

Matter of scorn, not to be given the foe. 

However, I with thee have fixed my lot, 

Certain to undergo like doom ; if death 

Consort with thee, death is to me as life ; 

So forcible within my heart I feel 956 

The bond of nature draAV me to my own ; 

My own in thee, for what thou art is mine : 

Our state cannot be severed, we are one. 

One flesh ; to lose thee were to lose myself.'* 

So Adam, and thus Eve to him replied : 960 

" O glorious trial of exceeding love. 
Illustrious evidence, example high. 
Engaging me to emulate ! but, short 
Of thy perfection, how shall I attain, 
Adam ? from whose dear side I boast me sprung, 965 
And gladly of our union hear thee speak. 
One heart, one soul in both ; whereof good proof 
This day aflbrds, declaring thee resolved, 
Rather than death or aught than death more dread 
Shall separate us linked in love so dear, 970 

To undergo with me one guilt, one crime, 
If any be, of tasting this fiiir fruit, 
Whose virtue (for of good still good proceeds 
Direct, or by occasion) hath presented 
This happy trial of thy love, which else vn 

So eminently never had been known. 
Were it I thought death menaced would ensue 
This my attempt, I would sustain alone 
The woi-st and not persuade thee, rather die 

953. Certain^ resolved. 964. attain, attain to it. 

954. Consort, be joined Q~'i. by occasion, \nc\i\fniaXly 
859. were, would be. 977. ensue, follow. — Were it, if 



Book IX.j PARADISE LOST. 279 

Peserted than oblige thee with a fact 980 

rernicious to thy peace, chiefly assured 

Remarkably so late of thy so true 

So faithful love unequalled ; but I feel 

Far otherwise the event, not death, but life 

Augmented, opened eyes, new hopes, new joys, 955 

Taste so divine, that what of sweet before 

Hath touched my sense flat seems to this, and harsh. 

On my experience, Adam, freely taste, 

And fear of death deliver to the winds." 

C So saying, she embraced him, and for joy 990 

Tenderly Avept, much won that he his love 
Had so ennobled, as of choice to incur 
Divine displeasure for her sake, or deatl^ 
In recompense (for such compliance bad 
Such recompense best merits), from the bough 995 

She o-ave him of that fair enticinn; fruit 
With liberal hand :riie scrupled not to eat, 
Against his better knowledge, not deceived. 
But fondly overcome '^y i ' idlLfe.l^^J^ ^harm. 
Earth tremblea from her entrailsTasagain lOOO 

In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan ; 
Sky loured, and, muttering thunder, some sad drops 
Wept at completing of the mortal sin 
Original ; while Adam took no thought. 
Eating his fill, nor Eve to iterate 1005 

Her former trespass feared, the more to soothe 
Him with her loved society ; that now, 

980. oblige. This word is here 9S7. to, compared with, 
ased ia one of the senses of the 991. icon„ charmed. 
Latin yerb "oblige,"' which 996. See Genesis iii. 6. 
Bometimes means to make guilty, 1000. Eartli trembled. ?^e lines 
B.nd so lound to the punishment 780-784. 

»f guilt. — /act, deed. 1003. mortal, deadly ; bringing 

981. chiefly nssured, more es- death. See I. 2. 3. 

pecially now that 1 have been 1J04. Original, first ; begin- 

kRsiired. ning of all others. 

984. ^/lecren^, the consequence 1005. iterate, repeat. 

Vdy. See lines 875, 876. 1007 tliat^ so that. 



280 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

As with new wine intoxicated both, 

riiey swim in mirth, and fancy that they feel 

Divinity within them breeding wings lOlC 

Wherewith to scorn the earth : but that false frnit 

Far other operation first displayed, 

Carnal desire inflaming ; he on Eve 

Began to cast lascivious eyes ; she him 

As wantonly repaid ; in lust they burn, 1011 

Till Adam thus gan Eve to dalliance move ; 

" Eve, now I see thou art exact of taste 
And elegant, of sapience no small part, 
Since to each meaning savor we apply. 
And palate call judicious ; I the praise 1020 

Yield thee, so well this day thou hast purveyed. 
Much pleasure we have lost, while we abstained 
From this delightful fruit, nor known till now 
True relish, tasting ; if such pleasure be 
In things to us forbidden, it might be wished 1025 

For this one tree had been forbidden ten. 
But come, so well refreshed, now let us play. 
As meet is after such delicious fare ; 
For never did thy beauty, since the day 
I saw thee first and wedded thee, adorned 1080 

With all perfections, so inflame my sense 
With ardor to enjoy thee, fairer now 
Than ever, bounty of this virtuous tree." 

So said he, and forbore not glance or toy 
Of amorous intent, well understood 1031 

Of Eve, whose eye darted contagious fire. 

1018. of sapience nn small party "sapor" is used both literally 
which (this exact and elegant and figuratively. 

taste) is itself no small part of 102'1. tasting, having tasted it 
wisdom or sapience. 1026. For, that instead of. 

1019. Since we use the word in 
both genses. The Latin word 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 281 

Her hand he seized, and to a shady bank, 

Thick over head with verdant roof iuibowered, 

He led her nothing loath ; flowers were the couch, 

Pansies and violets and asphodel 1040 

And hyacinth, earth's freshest softest lap. 

There they their fill of love and love's disport 

Took largely, of their mutual guilt the seal, 

The solace of their sin, till dewy sleep 

Oppressed them, wearied with their amorous play. 

Soon as the force of that fallacious fruit, 1046 

That with exhilarating vapor bland 

About their spirits had played and inmost powers 

Made err, was now exhaled, and grosser sleep. 

Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams lOoO 

Encumbered, now had left them ; up they rose 

As from unrest, and, each the other viewing. 

Soon found their eyes how opened, and their minds 

How darkened : innocence, that as a veil « 

Had shadowed them from knowing ill, wa5 gone, 

Just confidence and native righteousness 1056 

And honor, from about them, naked left 

To guilty Shame ; he covered, but his robe 

Uncovered more. So rose the Danite strong, 

Herculean Samson, from the harlot-lap 1060 

Of Philistcan Dalilah, and waked 

Shorn of his strength ; they destitute and bare 

Of all their virtue : silent, and in face 

Confounded, long they sat, as strucken mute. 

Till Adam, though not less than Eve abashed, 1065 

At length gave utterance to these words constrained ; 

" O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give ear 

1049. Made err^ bad made to 1057. from about them, were 
err. gone from about them. 

1050 conscious, conscious of 1059. 7nore, more tluin he cov- 
guilt. ered. — the l)anite. See Juiigef 

xiii. and xvi. 4-21. 



282 PARADISE LOST. [Book DL 

To that false worm, of whomsoever taught 

To counterfeit man's voice, true in our fall, 

False in our promised rising ; since our eyes 1070 

Opened we find indeed, and find Ave know 

Both good and evil, good lost, and evil got ; 

Bad fruit of knowledge, if this be to know. 

Which leaves us naked thus, of honor void, 

Of innocence, of faith, of purity, 1075 

Our wonted ornaments now soiled and stained, 

And in our faces evident the signs 

Of foul concupiscence ; whence evil store, 

Even shame, the last of evils ; of the first 

Be sure then. Hoav shall I behold the face 1080 

Henceforth of God or angel, erst with joy 

And rapture so oft beheld ? those heavenly shapes 

Will dazzle now this earthly with their blaze 

Insufferably bright. O might I here 

Iti solitude live savage, in some glade 1085 

Obscured, where highest woods, impenetrable 

To star or sun light, spread their umbrage broad 

And brown as evening ! Cover me, ye pines, 

Ye cedars,with innumerable boughs 

Hide me, where I may never see them more ! 1090 

But let us now, as in bad plight, devise 

What best may for the present serve to hide 

The parts of each from other, that seem most 

To shame obnoxious, and unseemliest seen ; 

Some tree, whose broad smooth leaves, together sewed 

And girded on our loins, may cover round 1096 

Those middle parts, that this new comer, Shame, 

There sit not, and reproach us as unclean." 

So counselled he, and both together went 

106S. worm. Compare VII. 1079. Jirst, first evil or evUd, 

482-4&4. 1081. erst, formerly. 

1078. evil store, store of evil 1090. them. See line 1082. 
things 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 283 

Into the thickest avoocI ; there soon they chose 1100 
The fig-tree, not that kind for fruit renowned, 
But such as at this day to Indians known 
In Malabar or Decan spreads her arms 
Branching so broad and long, that in the ground 
The bended twigs take root and daughters grow 
About the mother tree, a pillared shade 1106 

High overarched, and echoing walks between ; 
There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat, 
Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds 
At loop-holes cut through thickest shade. Those 

leaves 
They gathered, broad as Amazonian targe, llll 

And, with what skill they had, together sewed, 
To gird their waist ; vain covering, if to hide 
Their guilt and dreaded shame ! O how unlike 
To that first naked glory ! Such of late 1115 

Columbus found the American, so girt 
With feathered cincture, naked else and wild 
Among the trees on isles and woody shores. 
Thus fenced and, as they thought, their shame in part 
Covered, but not at rest or ease of mind, 1120 

They sat them down to weep ; nor only teai-s 
Rained at their eyes, but high winds worse within 
Began to rise, high passions, anger, hate, 

1102. Indians, the inhabitants leaves are not large, so that 
of India. the description in line 1111 is 

1103. Malabar or Decan. The incorrect. 

Deccau is a name formerly ap- 11('9. cool, the cool, 

plied to the whole of the southern 1110. loop-holes cut,ha.ying cut 

part of Ilindostan. Its west- openings through which he can 

em coast is called Malabar. watch. 

1106. a pillared shade. Tha 1111. Amazonian targe, thd 

Ficus Indica, Indian i'ig, or shield of an Amazon. The Ama- 

Banyan tree, throws out roots zons were a race of female war' 

from its branches, which, reach- riors. 

Cng the ground, fix themselves 1115. of late, lately. Milton 

there, and become in their turn was two centuries nearer Colum- 

trunks with branches fi-om which b us than we are. 

other roots are thrown out, till 1X12. fenced, defended. 
Mie tree becomes a grove. Its 



284 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

Mistrust, suspicion, discord, and shook sore 

Their inward state of mind, cahn region once 112B 

And full of peace, now tossed and turbulent ; 

For understanding ruled not and the will 

Heard not her lore, both in subjection now 

To sensual appetite, who from beneath. 

Usurping over sovran reason, claimed 1130 

Superior sway : from thus distempered breast, 

Adam, estranged in look and altered style, 

Speech intermitted thus to Eve renewed : 

( " Would thou hadst hearkened to my wordsj, and 

^ staid 

With me, as I besought thee, Avhen that strange 
Desire of wandering this unhappy morn, 1136 

I know not whence, possessed thee ; we had then 
Remained still happy, not as now despoiled 
Of all our good, shamed, naked, miserable. 
Let none henceforth seek needless cause to approve 
The faith they owe ; when earnestly they seek 1141 
Such proof, conclude they then begin to fail." 

To whom, soon moved with touch of blame, thus 
Eve : 
" What words have passed thy lips, Adam severe ! 
Imput'st thou that to my default, or will 1145 

Of wandering as thou call'st it, ^vhich who knows 
But might as ill have happened thou being by, 
Or to thyself perhaps ? Hadst thou been there, 
Or here the attempt, thou couldst not have discerned 

1128. her lore., the learning or 1145. will, wish ; determined 

counsel that understanding purpose, 

would have given. 114:6. which. The antecedent 

1131. thus ilistempered breast, is </;at in line 1145. 

breast thus disturbed. 1149. Or here the. ant-mpt, oi 

1137. haU, should have. had the trial, the tempta'ioa 

1140. approve, prove by trial, been here. 
See lines 319-349. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 285 

Fraud in the serpent, speaking as he spake ; 1160 

No ground of enmity between us known 

Why he shouhl mean me ill, or seek to harm. 

Was I to have never parted from thy side ? 

As good have grown there still a lifeless rib ! 

Being as I am, A vhv didst not thou, thehead^ 1155 

Command me absolutely not to go, 

Going into such danger as thou saidst ? 

Too facile then, thou didst not much gainsay, 

Nay, didst permit, approve, and fair dismiss. 

Hadst thou been firm and fixed in thy dissent, 1160 

Neither had I transgressed, nor thou with me." 

To whom then first incensed Adam replied : 
" Is this the love, is this the recompense 
Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve, expressed 
Immutable w-hen thou wert lost, not I, 1166 

Who might have lived and joyed immortal bliss. 
Yet willingly chose rather death with thee ? 
And am I now upbraided as the cause 
Of thy transgressing ? not enough severe, 
It seems, in thy restraint ; what could I more ? 1170 
I warned thee, I admonished thee, foretold 
The danger, and the lurking enemy 
That lay in wait ; beyond this had been force, 
And force upon free Avili hath here no place. 
But confidence then bore thee on, secure 1175 

Either to meet no danger or to find 
Matter of glorious trial ; and perhaps 
I also erred in overmuch admirinor 



1152. V/hy, for which. 1166. joyed, enjoyed. 

1155. thou, the head " The 1170. in thy restraint, in re- 

aead of the woman is the man." straining thee. — could I, could I 

Corinthians xi. 3. do. 

1160. dissent, refusal; objec- 1173. beyond this had been 

tion. force, anything more than thif 

1164. mine, my love. — ex- would have been force. 

pressed. See lines 952-959. 1175. secure, in sure belief. 



286 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

What seemed In thee so perfect, that I thought 
No evil durst attempt thee ; but I rue 1180 

That error now, which is become my crime, 
And thou the accuser, [jrhus it sliall befall 
. ~- Him who to worth in women overtrusting 

' ^ Lets her will rule I restraint sh =) will not brook, 

And left to herself, if evil thence ensue, 1185 

She first his weak indulgence will accuse." 

Thus they in mutual accusation spent 
The fi-uitlcss hours, but neither self-condemning, 
And of their vain contest appeared no end. 

1180. attempt^ attack ; try. 11S9. appeared no endy tb«N 

11S3. women. " Woman " seemed to be no end. 
ironld seem to be more correct. 



BOOK X. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Man's transgression known, the guardian angels forsake Paradlst 
and return up to Heaven to approve their vigilance, and are ap- 
proved ; God declaring that the entrance of Satan could not be by 
them prevented. He sends his Son to judge the transgressors 
who descends and gives sentence accordingly ; then in pity 
clothes them both, and reascends. Sin and Death, sitting till 
then at the gates of Hell, by wondrous sympathy feeling the 
success of Satan in this new world and the sin by man there com- 
mitted, resolve to sit no longer confined in Ilell, but to follow 
Satan their sire up to the place of man. To make the way easier 
from Ilell to this world to and fro, they pave a broad highway or 
bridge over Chaos, according to the track that Satan first made ; 
then preparing for Earth, they meet him, proud of his success, 
returning to Ilell ; their mutual gratulation, Satan arrives at 
Pandemoidum ; in full assembly relates, with boasting, his success 
against man ; instead of applause is entertained with a general hiss : 
by all his audience, transformed with himself also suddenly into 
serpents, according to his doom given in Paradise . tlien, deluded 
with a show of the forbidden tree springing up before them, they, 
greedily reaching to take of the fruit, chew dust and bitter ashes. 
The proceedings of Sin and Death. God foretells the final victory of 
his Son over them, and the renewing of all things ; but for the pres- 
ent commands his angels to make several alterations in the heavens 
and elements. Adam, more and more perceiving his fallen con- 
dition, heavily bewails ; rejects the condolement of Eve ; she per- 
sists, and at length appeases him : then, to evade the curse likely 
to fall on their offspring, proposes to Adam violent ways which ho 
approves not, but conceiving better hope, puts her in mind of the 
late promise made them, that her seed should be revenged on the 
Serpent, and exhorts her, with him, to seek peace with the of- 
fended Deity by repentance and supplication. 

Meakwhlle the heinous and despiteful act 
Of Satan done in Paradise, and how 



288 PARADISE LOST. [Book X. 

He in the serpent had perverted Eve, 
Her husband she, to taste the fatal fruit, 
Was known In Heaven ; for what can scape the eye 6 
Of God all-seeing, or deceive his heart 
Omniscient ? who, in all things wise and just, 
Hindered not Satan to attempt the mind 
Of man, with strength entire and free-will armed 
Complete to have discovered and repulsed 10 

Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend. 
Fcr still they knew, and ought to have still remem- 
bered, 
The high injunction not to taste that fruit, 
Whoever tempted ; which they not obeying 
Incurred (what could they less ?) the penalty, 15 

And, manifold in sin, deserved to fall. 

Up into Heaven from Paradise in haste 
The angelic guards ascended, mute and sad 
For man ; for of his state by this they knew. 
Much Avondering how the subtle Fiend had stolen 20 
Entrance unseen. Soon as the unwelcome news 
From Earth arrived at Heaven-gate, displeased 
All were who heard ; dim sadness did not spare 
That time celestial visages, yet mixed 
With pity violated not their bliss. 25 

About the new-arrived in multitudes 
The ethereal people ran, to hear and know 
How all befell : they towards the throne supreme, 
Accountable, made haste to make appear 
With righteous plea their utmost vigilance, 30 

And easily approved ; when the Most High 

4. Her husband she, how she 16. manifold in sin, having 

bad perverted her husband. committed many sins in their on* 

8. attempt^ sitta,ck. ; tempt. act of disobedience. 

10. Complete, sufficient. 19. this, this time. 

12. they, referring to Man (see 22. displeased, grieved ; sad 

line 9), here used for both Adam dened. 

uid Eve. 28 they. See line 18. 
31. approved, proved 



b,okX1 paradise lost. 289 

Eternal Feather from his secret cloud 
Amidst in thunder uttered thus his voice : 

" Assembled Angels, and ye Powers returned 
From unsuccessful charge, be not dismayed 36 

Nor troubled at these tidings from the earth, 
Which your sincerest care could not prevent ; 
Foretold so lately what would come to pass 
SVhen first this tempter crossed the gulf from Hell. 
I told ye then he should prevail and speed 40 

On his bad errand ; man should be seduced 
And flattered out of all, believing lies 
Against his Maker, no decree of mine 
Concurring to necessitate his fall. 
Or touch with lightest moment of impulse 45 

His free-will, to her own incHning left 
In even scale. But fallen he is ; and now 
What rests, but that the mortal sentence pass 
On his transgression, death denounced that day ? 
Which he presumes already vain and void, 50 

Because not yet inflicted, as he feared, 
By some immediate stroke ; but soon shall find ' 
Forbearance no acquittance ere day end : 
Justice shall not return as bounty scorned. 
But whom send I to judge them ? whom but thee, 56 
Vicegerent Son ? to thee I have transferred 
All judgment, whether in Heaven, or Earth, or 
Hell. 



37. sincerest^ most faithful. 53. Forbearance no acquit- 

38. Foretold, having been told tance, that to forbear is not to 
before. See III. 77-137. acquit ; delay is not pardon. 

45. 7noment, momentum ; mo- 5-i. as bounty, as my bounty 
tiTe force or turning power. has done. 

46. her, its. 57. All judginent. " For th« 

48. rests, remains; is left. Father judgeth no man, but hatb 

49. that day. " In the day that committed all judgment unto th« 
thou catest thereof, thou shalt Son." John v. 22 

surely die." Genesis ii. 17. 

19 



290 PARADISE LOST. JiooikX, 

Easy it may be seen that I intend 

Mercy colleague with justice, sending thee 

Man's friend, his mediator, his designed 00 

Both ransom and redeemer voluntary, 

And destined man himself to j udge man fallen.** 

So spake the Father, and unfolding bright 
Toward the right hand his glory on the Son 
Blazed forth unclouded deity ; he fall SB 

Resplendent all his Father manifest 
Expressed, and thus divinely answered mild : 

" Father Eternal, thine is to decree ; 
Mine both in Pleaven and Earth to do thy will 
Supreme, that thou in me thy Son beloved 71 

May'st ever rest well pleased. I go to judge 
On earth these thy transgressors ; but thou know'st, 
Whoever judged, the worst on me must light 
When time shall be, for so I undertook 
Before thee, and not repenting this obtain 75 

Of right, that I may mitigate their doom 
On me derived ; yet I shall temper so 
Justice with mercy, as may illustrate most 
Them fully satisfied, and thee appease. 
Attendance none shall need nor train, where none 80 
Are to behold the judgment but the judged, 
Those two ; the third best absent is condemned, 

59. colleague^ to be leagued to- 72. thy transgressors, wh« 
gether, associated. ^ haye transgressed agaiast the* 

60, 61. Designed to be both 73. ^'w/ge^/, is judged, 
man's ransom and his redeemer. 74. time, the time. 

65, 66. full resplendent, in full 76. of right, as my right. 
resplendence. 77. derived, drawn down. 

67. expressed. See Hebrews i. 78. illustrate, clearly show. 
3. 79. tliem, justice and mercy, 

71. well pleased. " And there 80. Attendance none shall need, 

. eame a voice from heaven, say- no attendance shall be necea- 

tog, Thou art my beloved Son, in sary. 

whom I am well pleased." Mark ^2. best absent is condemned^ \a 

i. U, best condemned when absent. 



BookX.] paradise lost, 201 

Convict by flight, and rebel to all law ; 
Conviction to the serpent none belongs." 

Thus saying, from his radiant seat he rose gs 

Of high collateral glory ; him Thrones and Powers, 
Princedoms and Dominations ministrant 
Accompanied to Heaven-gate, from whence 
Eden and all the coast in prospect lay. 
Down lie descended straight ; the speed of gods M 
Time counts not, though with swiftest minutes winged 
Now was the sun in western cadence low 
From noon, and gentle airs, due at their hour, 
To fan the earth now waked, and usher in 
The CA'cning cool, when he from wrath more cool l 
Came, the mild judge and intercessor both, 
To sentence man. The voice of God they heard 
Now walking in the garden, by soft winds 
Brought to their ears while day declined ; they heard 
And from his presence hid themselves among ix 

The thickest trees, both man and wife, till God 
Approaching thus to Adam called aloud : 

" Where art thou, Adam, wont with joy to meet 
My coming seen far off? I miss thee here, 
Not pleased thus entertained with solitudp 105 

Where obvious duty erewhile appeared unsought. 
Or come I less conspicuous, or what change 
Absents thee or what chance detains ? Come forth." 



8-3. Convict, proved guilty. 94. vsher, to usher. 

84. No conviction, no proof of 99. rvhile rtaij declined. "And 

e;uilt, is needed for the serpent. they heard the voice of the Lord 

S6. collateral glory, the glory God walking in the garden in the 

that he had with, or by the side cool of the day." Genesis iii. 

of, the Father. S. 

91. counts not., cannot count. 102. See Genesis iii. 9. 

92. cadence., falling or sink- 105. Not pleased., displeased, 
ing. 106. obcioHS., offering itself; 

83. due at their hour. See V. coming forward. — unsought, 

308. without being sought after 



^92 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

He came, and with him Eve, more loath, though 
first 
To oflend, discountenanced both and discomposed. 
Love was not in their looks either to God 111 

Or to each other, but apparent guilt. 
And shame and perturbation and despair, 
Anger and obstinacy and hate and guile ; 
Whence Adam, faltering long, thus answered brief: 

" I heard thee in the garden, and of thy voice IIG 
Afraid, being naked, hid myself" To whom 
The gracious Judge without revile replied : 
" My voice thou oft hast heard, and hast not feared. 
But still rejoiced ; how is it now become 120 

So dreadful to thee ? that thou art naked who 
Hath told thee ? hast thou eaten of the tree 
Whereof I gave thee charge thou shouldst not eat ? " 

To whom thus Adam sore beset replied : 
" O Heaven ! in evil strait this day I stand 126 

Before my Judge, either to undergo 
Myself the total crime, or to accuse 
My other self, the partner of my life ; 
Whose failing, while her faith to me remains, 
I should conceal, and not expose to blame lao 

By my complaint ; but strict necessity 
Subdues me, and calamitous constraint, 
Lest on my head both sin and punishment, 
However insupportable, be all 

Devolved ; though should I hold my peace, yet thou 
Wouldst easily detect what I conceal. IM 

This woman, Avliom thou mad'st to be my help 
And gav'st me as thy perfect gift, so good, 

112. apparent, manifest ; made 118. revile^ reproach, 
clear. 125. strait, necessity. 

117- Afraid. See Genesis iii. 127. crime, guilt and its pui- 

10 ishment. 



BookX.] paradise lost. 293 

So fit, so acceptable, so divine, 

That from her hand I could suspect no ill, 140 

And what she did, whatever in itself. 

Her doing seemed to justify the deed, — 

She gave me of the tree, and I did eat." 

To whom the sovran Presence thus replied : 
^Was she thy God, that her thou didst obey 145 

Before his voice ? or was she made thy guide, 
Superior, or but equal, that to her 
Thou didst resign thy manhood, and the place 
Wherein God set thee above her made of thee 
And for thee, whose perfection far excelled 155 

Hers in all real dignity ? Adorned 
She was Indeed, and lovely to attract 
Thy love, not thy subjection; and her gifts 
Were such as under government well seemed, 
Unseemly to bear rule, which was thy part 15s 

And person, hadst thou known thyself aright." 

So having said, he thus to Eve in few : 
" Say, woman, what Is this which thou hast done ? " 

To whom sad Eve, with shame nigh overwhelmed, 
Confessing soon, yet not before her Judge lec 

Bold or loquacious, thus abashed replied : 
'* The serpent me beguiled, and I did eat." 

Which when the Lord God heard, without delay 
To judgment he proceeded on the accused 

141 whatever in itself, what- 347 but, only ; even, 
ever it might be in itself, in its 154. well seettieil, shovred well { 

own character. were well becoming . 

1-13 She gave. " And the 156. person, character, as in a 

man said, The woman whom play ; .he Latin " persona." 
thou gavest to be with me, she 157. in fiw, in few words, 
gave me of the tree, and I did 162. beguiled. See Genesis iii 

eat." Genesis iii. 12. 13. 



394 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

Serpent, tbougli brute, unable to transfer 166 

The guilt on him who made him instrument 

Of mischief, and polluted from the end 

Of his creation; justly then accursed, 

As vitiated in nature. More to know 

Concerned not man (since he no further knew) 178 

Nor altered his offence : yet God at last 

To Satan, first in sin, his doom applied, 

Though in mysterious terms, judged as then best, 

And on the serpent thus his curse let fall : 

" Because thou hast done this, thou art accursed 176 

Above all cattle, each beast of the field ; 

Upon thy belly grovelling thou shalt go. 

And dust shalt eat all the days of thy life. 

Between thee and the woman I will put 

Enmity, and between thine and her seed ; 180 

Her seed shall bruise thy head, thou bruise his heel.** 

So spake this oracle, then verified 
When Jesus, son of Mary, second Eve, 
Saw Satan fall like lightning down from heaven, 
Prince of the air ; then rising from his grave 185 

Spoiled principalities and powers, triumphed 
In open show, and with ascension bright 
Captivity led captive through the air. 
The realm itself of Satan long usurped, 
Whom he shall tread at last under our feet ; 190 

Even he who now foretold his fatal bruise, 
And to the woman thus his sentence turned : 
" Thy sorrow I will greatly multiply 
By thy conception ; children thou shalt bring 

167. end^ purpose, object. 184. Saw Satan fall. " And 

169. More to know, that \s.i\xa,i he stiid unto them, I behe)4 

Satan was the real tempter. Satan as lightning fall from 

171. at last, finally. heaven." Luke x. 18. 

17S. judged as then best, con- 188. Captivity led captivt. S«« 

eidered to be best at that time. Ephesians iv. 8. 

176 See Genesis iii. 14, 15. 192. See Genesis iii. 16. 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 295 

In soiTOw forth, and to thy husband's will 196 

Thine shall submit ; he over thee shall rule." 

On Adam last thus judgment he pronounced : 
■'Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of th^ 

wife, 
And eaten of the tree concerning which 19e 

[ charged thee, saying, ' Thou shalt not eat thereof,' 
Cursed is the ground for thy sake ; thou in sorrow 
Shalt eat thereof all the days of thy life ; 
Thorns also and thistles it shall bring thee forth 
Unbid ; and thou shalt cat the herb of the field ; 
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, 205 

Till thou return unto the ground ; for thou 
Out of the ground wast taken : know thy birth. 
For dust thou art, and shalt to dust return." 

So judged he Man, both Judge and Saviour sent, 
And the instant stroke of death denounced that day 
Removed far off; then, pitying how they stood 211 
Before him naked to the air that now 
Must suffer change, disdained not to begin 
Thenceforth the form of servant to assume ; 
As when he washed his servants' feet, so now, 216 

As father of his family, he clad 
Tlieir nakedness with skins of beasts, or slain, 
Or as the snake with }'outhful coat repaid ; 
And thought not much to clothe his enemies : 
Nor he their outvvard only with the skins 220 

197. On Adam last. See Gen- 219. j7o« wi«r/;, it not toomuch 

eeis iii. 17-19. 220-224. And he not only cov- 

210. instant, immediate. — de- ered from liis Father's sight their 

»oj/ncef/ is a participle. outward nakedness with the skins 

214. See Philippians ii. 7. of beasts, but he also covered 

215. As when. See John xiii. their inward nakedness, which 
V-IG. was much more shameful, array- 

217. or, whether. ing it with his robe of righteous- 

218. Or anew provided, like the ness See Isaiah Ixi. 10. 
sanke, with youthful coat. 



296 PARADISE LOST. [Book X, 

Of beasts, but inward nakedness much more 

Opprobrious with his robe of righteousness 

Arraying, covered from his Father's sight. 

To him with swift ascent he up returned, 

Into his bhssful bosom reassumed 224 

In glory as of old; to him appeased 

All, though all-knowing, what had passed with man 

Recounted, mixing intercession sweet. 

Meanwhile, ere thus was sinned and judged on 
earth. 
Within the gates of Hell sat Sin and Death 23C 

In counterview, within the gates that now 
Stood open wide, belching outrageous flame 
Far into Chaos, since the Fiend passed through, 
Sin opening, who thus now to Death began : 

" O son, why sit we here each other viewing 235 
Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives 
In other worlds and happier seat provides 
For us hi3 offspring dear ? It cannot be 
But that success attends him ; if mishap. 
Ere this he had returned with fury driven 240 

By his avengers, since no place like this 
Can fit his punishment or their revenge. 
Methinks I feel new strength within me rise. 
Wings growing, and dominion given me large 
Beyond this deep ; whatever draws me on, 241 

Or sympathy, or some connatural force, 
Powerful at greatest distance to unite 
With secret amity thing's of like kind 

226. as of old. See John xvii. 231. In counterview^ opposite 

5- to each other; face to face. 

229. ivas sinned and judged. 234. Sin opening. See II 

these verbs are impersonal, the 871-883. 

meaniag being, ere thus there 240. had., would have, 

were C7i ear^/j Rin and judgment. 246. Or, whether. — connatu 
ral, of a common naf are. 



0OOKX.] PARADISE LOST. 297 

By secretest conveyance. Thou, my shade 

[nseparable, must with me along ; 260 

For Death from Sin no power can separate. 

But lest the difficulty of passing back 

Stay his return perhaps over this gulf 

Impassable, impervious, let us try 

Adventurous work, yet to thy power and mine 266 

Not unagreeable, to found a path 

Over this main from Hell to that new world 

Where Satan now prevails, a monument 

Of merit high to all the infernal host, 

Easing their passage hence for intercourse 2G0 

Or transmigration, as their lot shall lead. 

Nor can I miss the way, so strongly drawn 

By this new-felt attraction and instinct." 

Whom thus the meagre Shadow answered soon : 
" Go whither fate and inclination strong 265 

Leads thee ; I shall not lag behind, nor err 
The way, thou leading, such a scent I draw 
Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste 
The savor of death from all things there that live : 
Nor shall I to the work thou enterprisest 270 

Be wanting, but afford thee equal aid." 

^So saying, Avith delight he s ^i]ffed- the smell 
Of mortal change on earth. As when a flock 
Of ravenous fowl, though many a league remote, 
Against the day of battle to a field 276 

Where armies lie encamped come flying, lured 
With scent of living carcasses designed 

250. 7M(/5<, must go. 7«(OTn!«(o», either for passing tfl 

254. impervious, without way and fro, or for removinj? alto- 

hrough. gether. — as '.heir lot skall leatl^ 

256. unagreeable, unsuitable. as shall be determined for them. 

257. this main. See 245 ; alao 266. err, mistjike. 

II. 8Sf>V910. 270. enterprisest, undertakest 

260, 261 .ybr intercourse or tranS' 



298 PARADISE LOST. [Book X. 

For death the following day in bloody fight ; 

So scented the grim feature, and upturned 

His nostril wide into the murky air, 28<l 

Sagacious of his quarry from so far./ 

Then both from out Hell-gates into the waste 

Wide anarchy of Chaos damp and dark 

Flew diverse, and with power (their power was great) 

Hovering upon the waters, what they met 285 

Solid or slimy, as in raging sea 

Tost up and down, together crowded drove 

From each side shoaling towards the mouth of Hell , 

As when two polar winds, blowing adverse 

Upon the Cronian sea, together drive 29^) 

Mountains of ice, that stop the imagined way 

Beyond Petsora eastward to the rich 

Cathaian coast. The aggregated soil 

Death with his mace petrific, cold and dry, 

As with a trident, smote, and fixed as firm 295 

As Delos floating once ; the rest his look 

Bound with Gorgonian rigor not to move, 

And with asphaltic slime : broad as the gate, 

Deep to the roots of Hell the gathered beach 

279. feature, form or shape Cathay, which was a name given 

indistinct. See II. 666-673. to the rich countries in the east 

281. Sagacious of his quarry, or southeast of Asia. The coast 

scenting his prey or game. of China is probably here meant<* 

284. diverse in different direc- — the aggregated soil, the s6il 
tions. thus together crowded. 

285. what, whatever. 294. petrijic, turning to stone. 

287. together crowded, pushed — coW «h/7 r/z-iy seem to agree with 
or crowded together from oppo- soil. He made the soil cold and 
Bite or diverse directions. dry by smiting it. 

288. Growing shallow on 296. ^5 Delos. Delos was one 
each side as it was heaped up in of the group of islands called 
the middle near the mouth of Cyclades, in the ^gean Sea, 
Hell. which is fabled to have floated 

290. Cronian sea, Arctic Ocean, from place to place till Zeus (Ju 

291. the imagined ivay, the piter) fastened it with chains of 
supposed northeast passage from adamant to the bottom of tht 
Europe to India. sea. — the rest, all that had no 

292. Petsora. Petchora, a river been thw?' fixed. 

and gulf in the northeastern 297. Gorgonian. See II. 611 
part of Russia. — r/g-or, stiffness. 

293. Cathaian, belonging to 



BookX.] paradise lost. 299 

They fastened, and the mole immense wi ought on 

3ver the foaming deep high-arched, a bridge 301 

Of length prodigious, joining to the wall 

Immovable of this now fenceless world 

Forfeit to death ; from hence a passage broad, 

Smooth, easy, inoffensive, doAvn to Hell. 301 

So, if great thing-s to small may be compared, 

Xerxes, the liberty of Greece to yoke. 

From Susa his Memnonian palace high 

Came to the sea, and over Hellespont 

Bridging his way Europe with Asia joined, 310 

And scourged with many a stroke the Indignant 

waves. 
Now had they brought the work by wondroiis art 
Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock. 
Over the vexed abyss, following the track 
Of Satan to the selfsame place where he 316 

First hghted from his wing and landed safe 
From out of Chaos, to the outside bare 
Of this round World : with pins of adamant 
And chains they made all fast, too fast they made 
And durable ; and now in little space 320 

The confines met of empyrean Heaven 
And of this World, and on the left hand Hell 



300. mole^ massive work or lie is said to have built a bridge 
mound formed iu the sea.— of boats over the Hellespont, the 
wrought on, continued. sti-ait which separates Asia from 

301. a bridge. See II. 1023- Europe. AVhen this bridge waa 
1033. destroyed by a storm, he com- 

303. fenceless, defenceless. manded a hundred lashes to be 

304. a passage broad. " Broad given to the waves. 

is the way that leadeth to de- 313. Pontifical, tridge-mak- 

etruction." Matthew vii. 13. ing. 

305 jn<»/ff-?i5n'e, unobstructed. 314. t^exed. See 1 IT 429. 

See VIII. 104. 317. to the outside bare. See 

307-311. In the year 4S0 before III. 70-76. . 

Christ, Xerxes, king of Persia, 320. in little space, with little 

aft«r long nreoaration, set forth space between. See 11.1047-1053. 

to conquer Greece. His winter resi- 322. 0/ this World. See III 

dene e or palace was Susa, then call- 418-422 
ed by the Greeks " Memuoneiou." 



300 PARADISE LOST. [Book X. 

With long reach interposed ; three several ways 

In sight to each of these three places led. 

And now their way to Earth tliey had descried, 826 

To Paradise first tending, when behold 

Satan, in likeness of an angel bright, 

Betwixt the Centaur and the Scorpion steering 

His zenith, while the sun in Aries rose : 

Disguised he came, but those his children dear 33l 

Their parent soon discerned, though in disguise. 

He, after Eve seduced, unminded slunk 

Into the wood fast by, and, changing shape 

To observe the sequel, saw his guileful act 

By Eve, though all unweeting, seconded 335 

Upon her husband, saw their shame that sought 

Vain covertures ; but Avhen he saw descend 

The Son of God to judge them, terrified 

He fled, not hoping to escape, but shun 

The present ; fearing, guilty, what his wrath 340 

Might suddenly inflict : that past, returned 

By night, and listening where the hapless pair 

Sat in their sad discourse and various plaint, 

Thence gathered his own doom, which understood 

Not instant but of future time, with joy 345 

And tidings fraught to Hell he now returned, 

And at the brink of Chaos, near the foot 

Of this new wondrous pontifice, unhoped 

324. these three places, Heaven, 333. fast by. See IX. 628. 
Hell, and the World. 334. the sequel, what would 

327. in likeness. " Satan him- follow. 

eelf is transformed into an angel 335. unweeting, unknowing, 
of light." 2 Corinthians xi. 14. that is, not aware of his pres^ 

328, 329. While the sun was ence. 

rising in the sign Aries, Satan 339. shun, to shun, 
was steering towards his zenith, 340- The present, what_ the 

or flying upwards, between the present might bring upon him. 
pigns Scorpio and Sagittarius 341. returned, he returned. 
the Centaur) far in advance of 345. not instant, as not imme 

the sun. diate. 

332. after Eve seduced, after 348. pontifce, bridge. See lim 

having seduced Eve. — un- 313. 
minded, unnoticed. 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 301 

Met, who to meet him came, his oflfspring dear. 
Great joy was at their meeting, and at sight 8Q0 

Of that stupendous bridge his joy increased. 
Long he admiring stood, till Sin, his fair 
Enchanting daughter, thus the silence broke : 

" O parent, these are thy magnific deeds, 
Thy trophies, which thou view'st as not thine own ; 
Thou art their author and prime architect : 3b6 

For I no sooner in my heart divined, 
My heart, which by a secret harmony 
Still moves with thine, joined in connection sweet, 
That thou on earth hadst prospered, which thy looks 
Now also evidence, but straight I felt, 361 

Though distant from thee worlds between, yet felt 
That I must after thee with this thy son. 
Such fatal consequence unites us three. 
Hell could no longer hold us in her bounds, 365 ' 

Nor this unvoyageable gulf obscure 
Detain from following thy Illustrious track. 
Thou hast achieved our liberty, confined 
Within Hell-gates till now, thou us impowered 
To fortify thus far, and overlay 87C 

With this portentous bridge the dark abyss. 
Thine now is all this world ; thy virtue hath won 
What thy hands builded not, thy wisdom gained 
With odds what war hath lost, and fully avenged 
Our foil in Heaven ; here thou shalt monarch reign, 
There didst not ; there let him still victor sway 376 
As battle hath adjudged, from this new world 

349. t/>Ao, those who. 368. oj/r, for us. 

354. magnific, great ; wonder- 369. thou, thou hast. 

Jul. 370. /brij/y, make strong; firm- 

861. evidence, show ; prove. — ly build. 

itraight, stTSiightwsLy. 372. virtue, prowess; vigor. 

363. must, must follow. 374. With odds, with adyan 

364. consequence, connection. tage. 

366. unvoyageable, not before 375. foil, defeat, 
to be travelled over or crossed. 376. victor, as victor 



302 PARADISE LOST. [Book X. 

Retiring by liis own doom alienated, 

And henceforth monarchy with thee divide 

Of all things parted by the empyreal bounds, 880 

His quadrature, from thy orbicular world. 

Or try thee now more dangerous to his throne." 

Whom thus the prince of darkness answered glad : 
" Fair daughter, and thou son and grandchild both, 
High proof ye now have given to be the race 385 

Of Satan (for T glory in the name, 
Antagonist of Heaven's almighty king), 
Amply have merited of me, of all 
The infernal empire, that so near Heaven's door 
Triumphal with triumphal act have met, 890 

Mine with this glorious work, and made one realm 
Hell and this world, one realm, one continent 
Of easy thoroughfare. Therefore while I 
Descend through darkness on your road with ease 
To my associate powers, them to acquaint 89& 

With these successes and with them rejoice, 
You two this way, among these numerous orbs 
All yours, right down to Paradise descend ; 
There dwell and reign in bliss, thence on the earth 
Dominion exercise and in the air, 400 

Chiefly on man, sole lord of all declared ; 
Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill. 
My substitutes I- send ye, and create 
Plenipotent on earth, of matchless might 
Issuing from me : on your joint vigor now 406 



378. doom^ sentence ; decree. 388. Amply have merited, and 

881. His quadrature, the square ye have much deserved, 

of Heaven — unflelermined square 390. Triiwiphal, triumphal act. 

or round. II. 1048. " And the 391. Mine, my work. 

city lieth four-square." Revela- 393. of easy thoroughfare, easy 

tion xxi. 16. of passage. 

382. O, try., or let him try. 402. thrall, slave ; bondsman. 

386. The Hebrew word Satan 403. My, as my. 

means adversary. 404. Plenipotent, of fixM'^ynx 



Book X.] PARADISE L OS T. 303 

My hold of this new kingdom all depends, 
Through sin to death exposed by my exploit. 
If your joint power prevail, the affairs of Hell 
No detriment need fear ; go, and bo strong." 

So saying, he dismissed them ; they with speed 4lii 
Their course through thickest constellations held, 
Spreading their bane ; the blasted stai-s looked wan, 
And planets, planet-struck, real eclipse 
Then suffered. The other way Satan went down 
The causey to Hell-gate ; on either side 415 

Disparted Chaos overbuilt exclaimed. 
And with rebounding surge the bare assailed 
That scorned his indignation : through the gate, 
Wide open and unguarded, Satan passed. 
And all about found desolate ; for those 420 

Appointed to sit there had left their charge, 
Flown to the upper world ; the rest were all 
Far to the inland retired, about the walls 
Of Pandemonium, city and proud seat 
Of Lucifer, so by allusion called 426 

Of that bright star to Satan paragoned. 
There kept their watch the legions, while the grand 
In council sat, solicitous what chance 
Might intercept their emperor sent ; so he 
Departing gave command, and they observed. 480 

As when the Tartar from his Russian foe 



406. all, entirely ; wholly. 420. those, Sin and Deatn. 

412. bane, poison ; evil influ 424. Pandemonium. See I. 
ence. 756. 

413. Astrologers pretended 425. Lucifer. See V. 760. 
that the planets in certain as- 426 that bright star. See VII. 
pects exercised an eyil influ- 131-133. —pam°-orier/, compared. 
»nce, under which persons or 427 grand, grandees. 

Ihings wasted away ; they were 428. solicitous what chance. 

lhen°said to be planet-struck. anxious lest some chance. 

415. caM5fy, causeway. 430. Departing gave command 

416. exclaimed, clamored. See II. 4G2-465. — observed, obey 
418. the gate. See II. 643-649. ed. 



304 PARADISE LOST. [Book A 

By Astracan over the snoAvy plains 

Retires, or Bactrian Sophi from the horn 

Of Turkish crescent leaves all waste beyond 

The realm of Aladule in his retreat iSS 

To Tauris or Casbeen ; so these, the late 

Heaven-banished host, left desert utmost Hell 

Many a dark league, reduced in careful watch 

Round their metropolis, and now expecting 

Each hour their great adventurer from the search 440 

Of foreign worlds. He through the midst unmarked, 

In show plebeian angel militant 

Of lowest order, passed ; and from the door 

Of that Plutonian hall invisible 

Ascended his high throne, which under state 446 

Of richest texture spread at the upper end 

Was placed in regal lustre. Down awhile 

He sat, and round about him saw unseen : 

At last, as from a cloud, his fulgent head 

And shape star-bright appeared, or brighter, clad 450 

With what permissive glory since his fall 

Was left him or false glitter. All amazed 

At that so sudden blaze the Stygian throng 

Bent their aspect, and whom they wished beheld, 

432. Astracan, or Astrachan, a 436. Tauris, or Tabriz, is a city 
city situated at the mouth of the in the northwestern, and Gas- 
Volga, on the north side of the beeii, or Casbiu, is a city in the 
Caspian Sea. northern part of Persia. 

433, 434. Bactrian Sophi, one 438. reduced, drawn back. See 
of the titles of the king of Persia line 423. 

is Sophi, and he is here called 442. show, appearance. 
Bactrian from the ancient Bac- 444. Plutonian, infernal ; be- 

tria, which is now a part of Per- longing to Pluto, the fabled god 

Bia. In the sixteenth century of the infernal regions, 
there was continual war between 445. state, stately canopy, 
the Persians and the Turks, who 449. fulgent, shining, 
possessed the country west of 451. permissive, held by peiw 

Persia. — crescent, standard which mission and not of right, 
bears the Crescent, the emblem 453. Stygian. See II. 606. 
of the Turkish power. 454. Bent their aspect, tum«4 

435. Aladule was the last mon- or fixed their looks, 
arch of the Greater Armenia, who 454 tvhom, him whom. — 

had been defeated and slain by wished, were ■wishing for. 
the Turks. 



Book X.] JrAHADlSE LOST 305 

Their mighty chief returned : loud was the cacolalm. 
Forth rushed in haste the great consulting peers, 456 
Raised from their dark divan, and -svith like joy 
Congratulant approached him, who Avith hand 
Silence, and with these words attention, won : 

" Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtue, 
Powers ! 460 

For in possession such, not only of right, 
I call ye and declare ye now, returned 
Successful beyond hope to lead }'e forth 
Triumphant out of this infernal pit 
Abominable, accursed, the house of woe, 466 

And dungeon of our tyrant : now possess 
As lords a spacious world, to our native Heaven 
Little inferior, by my adventure hard 
With peril great achieved. Long were to tell 
What I have done, what suffered, with what pain 470 
Voyaged the unreal, vast, unbounded deep 
Of horrible confusion, over which 
By Sin and Death a broad way now is paved 
To expedite your glorious march ; but I 
Toiled out my uncouth passage, forced to ride 476 
The untractable abyss, plunged in the womb 
Of unoriginal Night and Chaos wild. 
That jealous of their secrets fiercely opposed 
My journey strange, Avith clamorous uproar 
Protesting Fate supreme ; thence how I found 480 
The new-created world, which fame in Heaven 
Long had foretold, a fabric wonderful. 
Of absolute perfection ! therein man 



457. divan, council. Di\aii is 475. uncouth. See II. 407. 
»n Oriental word. 476. untractable, untamable. 

459. icon, that is, won silence 477. vnnris:inal, without begin 

and attention. ninjr or birth. 

469. Long were, long would it 480. Protesting, calling to wit- 
be. ness against my attemi)t. 

2a 



BOG PARADISE LOST. [Book X. 

Placed in a paradise, by our exile 
Made liappy. Him by fraud I have seduced 489 

From Ills Creator, and, the more to increase 
Your wonder, with an apple ! He thereat 
Offended (worth your laughter !) hath given up 
Both his beloved man and all his world 
To Sin and Death a prey, and so to us, 490 

Without our liazard, labor, or alarm, 
To range in and to dwell, and over man 
To ride, as over all he should have ruled. 
True is, me also he hath judged, or rather 
Me not, but the brute serpent in whose shape 495 

Man I deceived : that which to me belongs 
Is enmity, which he will put between 
Me and mankind ; I am to bruise his heel ; 
His seed, when is not set, shall bruise my head. 
A world who would not purchase with a bruise, 500 
Or much more grievous pain ? Ye have the ac- 
count 
Of my performance : what remains, ye gods. 
But up and enter now into full bliss ? " 

I So having said, awhile he stood, expecting 
Their universal shout and high applause 506 

To fill his ear ; when contrary he hears 
On all sides from innumerable tongues 
A dismal universal hiss, the sound 
Of public scorn : he wondered, but not long 
Had leisure, wondering at himself now more ; 610 

His visage drawn he felt to sharp and spare, 
His arms clung to his ribs, his legs entwining 



48S. worth, this is well worth, 503. But up, but to soar up. 

tir worthy of. 512. clung, pressed or squeezed 

494. 2'riie is, true it is that. — He felt his arms pressed to his 

kat/t judged. See hues 171-181. ribs. 

499. ^o/ien is not set^ the time 
b not appointed 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 307 

Each other, till supplanted down he fell 

A monstrous serpent on his belly prone, 

Reluctant, but in vain ; a greater power gig 

Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned, 

According to his doom. He Avould have spoke, 

But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue 

To forked tongue ; for now were all transformed 

Alike, to serpents all, as accessories 520 

To his bold riot J dreadful was the din 

Of hissing through the hall, thick swarming now 

With complicated monsters head and tail, 

Scorpion, and asp, and amphisbaena dire. 

Cerastes horned, hydrus, and elops drear, 525 

And dipsas (not so thick swarmed once the soil 

Bedropt with blood of Gorgon, or the isle 

Ophiusa) ; but still greatest he the midst. 

Now dragon grown (larger than whom the sun 

Ingendered in the Pythian vale on slime, 530 

Huge Python), and his power no less he seemed 

Above tlie rest still to retain. They all 

Him followed, issuing forth to the open field, 

Where all yet left of that revolted rout. 

Heaven-fallen, in station stood or just array, 5.35 

513. supjilanted, overthrown; word which means abounding in 
tripped up by the heels. snakes, and is said to have been 

514. prone^ lying with the face applied to a small island in the 
downward. Mediterranean, which was aban- 

515. Reluctant, struggling doned by its inhabitants on ac- 
against the change. count of the great number of 

521. riot, sedition ; insurrec- serpents that infested it. 

tion. 529. Dragon. "The dragon, 

523. complicated, intertwined. that old serpent, which is the 

624. ampliisbcBna, a species of Devil, and Satin." Rev. xx. 2. 

tar pent, formerly deemed poison- — ivliom, he whom. — the Sun^ 

ous or fJire. Apollo or Phoebus. 

525. Cerastes, hydrus (water- 531. Py//io« was a /n/§'e serpent 

fnake), elops and dipsas are produced from the mud or slime 

uames of different kinds of ser- left on the earth after the deluge 

{►ents. of Deucalion. — 7io less, not less 

627. Bedropt, sprinkled. — than his superior size. 

vorgon. See II. 611. 535. in station, on guard. 

528 Ophiusa. This is a Greek just array, military order 



508 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

Sublime with expectation when to sec 

In triumph issuing forth their glorious chief: 

They saw, but other sight instead, a crowd 

Of ugly serpents ! horror on them fell, 

And horrid sympathy ; for what they saw 510 

They felt themselves now changing : down their arras, 

Down fell both spear and shield, down they as fast, 

And the dire hiss renewed, and the dire form 

Catched by contagion, like in punishment 

As in their crime. Thus was the applause they 

meant 545 

Turned to exploding hiss, triumph to shame, 
Cast on themselves from their own mouths. There 

stood 
A grove hard by, sprung up with this their change, 
His will who reigns above, to aggravate 
Their penance, laden with fair fruit like that 550 

Which grew in Paradise, the bait of Eve 
Used by the Tempter : on that prospect strange 
Their earnest eyes they fixed, imagining 
For one forbidden tree a multitude 
Now risen, to work them further woe or shame ; 555 
Tet parched with scalding thirst and hunger fierce, 
Though to delude them sent, could not abstain, 
But on they rolled in heaps, and up the trees 
Climbing, sat thicker than the snaky locks 
That curled Magaara^greedily they plucked 560 

The fruitage, fair to sight like that which grew 
Near that bituminous lake where Sodom flamed; 

536. sublime^ uplifted. 561. like that, like the fruit 

541. changing, changing into. called Apple of Sodom, which re- 

546. exploding, driving, as it sembles a smooth orange or yel- 

rere, from the stage. low apple. It is fair to the sight, 

549. His icill, by will of him. but contains only air and seeda 

557. Though, though this was. within. It was formerly sup- 

- couid not, they could not. posed to be filled with ashes. 

560. MegcRra was one of the 562. that bituminous lake, Van 

jhree Fui-ies whose hair was Dead Sea. — ivhere Sodom flamed 

twined with serpents. — curled, See Genesis xix. 24-28. 

Tormod the curls of. 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 309 

This, more delusive, not the touch, but taste 

Deceived ; they, fondly thinking to allay 

Their appetite with gust, instead of fruit 66S 

Chewed bitter ashes, Avhich the offended taste 

With spattering noise rejected : oft they assayed, 

Hunger and thirst constraining ; drugged as oft, 

With hatefullest disrelish writhed their jaAvs 

With soot and cinders filled i so oft they fell 570 

Into the same illusion, not as man 

Whom they triumphed once lapsed. Thus were they 

plagued 
And worn with famine long and ceaseless hiss, 
Till their lost shape, permitted, they resumed ; 
Yearly enjoined, some say, to undergo 575 

This annual humbling certain numbered days 
To dash their pride and joy for man seduced. 
However, some tradition they dispersed 
Among the heathen of their purchase got, 
And fabled how the serpent, whom they called 680 
Ophion, with Eurynome (the wide 
Encroaching Eve perhaps), had first the rule 
Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driven 
And Ops, ere yet Dictaean Jove was born. 

Meanwhile in Paradise the hellish pair 685 

Too soon arrived ; Sin there in power before, 
Once actual, now in body, and to dwell 
Habitual habitant ; behind her Death, 



565. gust, pleasant taste. his wife Rhea, or Ops. Jupiter 

569. lorithed^ they writhed. or Jove was called Dictgean from 

572. triutnphed, triumphed Dicte, a mountain in Crete, where 

over. — once lapsed, only once he was brought up. The Greek 

&llen. name Eurynome means wide- 
old, certain ni(7nbered days, for encroaching. 

ft. certain number of days. 587. Once actual, having been 

579-584. 0/)/h'o?i was one of the there once in act, and therefore 

Tit ins, who reigned, with Eury- in potcer, though not in per»DQ, 

nome, over Olympus, till they or in body. 

Here conquered by Saturn and 



310 PARADISE LOST. [Book A. 

Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet 

On his pale horse ; to whom Sin thus began : 690 

" Second of Satan sprung, all-conquering Death, 
What think'st thou of our empire now, though 

earned 
With travail difficult ? not better far 
Than still at Hell's dark threshold to have sat 

watch, 
Unnamed, undreaded, and thyself half-starved ? " 595 

Whom thus the Sin-born monster answered soon : 
" To me, who with eternal famine pine, 
Ahke is Hell, or Paradise, or Heaven ; 
There best where most with ravin I may meet ; 
Which here, though plenteous, all too little seems 600 
To stuff' this maw, this vast unhide-bound corpse." 

To whom the incestuous mother tluls replied : 
" Thou therefore on these herbs and fruits and flow- 
ers 
Feed first ; on each beast next, and fish and fowl, 
No homely morsels ; and whatever thing 605 

The scythe of Time mows down devour unspared ; 
Till I in man residing through the race. 
His thoughts, his looks, words, action, all infect, 
And season him thy last and sweetest prey." 

This said, they both betook them several ways, 61C 
Both to destroy, or unimmortal make 
All kinds, and for destruction to mature 
Sooner or later ; which the Almighty seeing, 

590. his rfi^e horse. "And I 599. there 6es«, there is it best 

looked, and behold, a pale hor.se ; — ravin, prey, rapine, 
sind his name that sat on him 601. unhide-bound, capacious 

was Death." Eevelatiou vi. 8. not bound as with a close skin 

693. not better, is it not better. — corpse, body (of Death). 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 311 

From liis transcendent seat the saints among, 

To those bright Orders uttered thus his voice : 6111 

" See with what heat these dogs of Hell advance 
To waste and havoc yonder world, which I 
So fair and good created, and had still 
Kept in that state, had not the folly of man 
Let in these wasteful furies, who impute 620 

Folly to me (so doth the prince of Hell 
And his adherents), that with so much ease 
I suffer them to enter and possess 
A place so heavenly, and conniving seem 
To gratify my scornful enemies, 625 

That laugh, as if transported with some fit 
Of passion I to them had quitted all 
At random yielded up to their misrule. 
And knew not that I called and drew them thither, 
My hell-hounds, to lick up the draff and filth 630 

Which man's polluting sin with taint hath shed 
On what was pure; till crammed and gorged, nigh burst, 
With sucked and glutted offal, at one sling 
Of thy victorious arm, Avelhpleasing Son, 
Both Sin and Death, and yawning grave at last, 635 
Through Chaos hurled, obstruct the mouth of Hell 
Forever, and seal up his ravenous jaws. 
Then heaven and earth renewed shall be made pure 
To sanctity that shall receive no stain ; 639 

Till then the curse pronounced on both precedes." 

He ended, and the heavenly audience loud 
Sung hallelujah, as the sound of seas, 
Through multitude that sung : " Just are thy ways, 

618. Aa^/, should have. Qi2. hallelujah. The meaniug 

631. with taint, carrying with of this word is, " Praise ye the 

'It taiat. Lord." 

633. glutted, swallowed. G43. Through, by n.-ason of. — 

638. renewed. See 2 Peter Just are thy ways. See Revela- 

lii, 13 i also Book III. 333-338. tion xv. 3 



312 PARADISE LOST. [Book X, 

Righteous arc thy decrees on all tliy works ; 

Who can extenuate thee ? Next, to the Son, 3tf 

Destined restorer of mankind, by whom 

New heaven and earth shall to the ages rise, 

Or down from Heaven descend." — Such was their 

song. 
While the Creator, calling forth by name 
His mighty angels, gave them several charge, G50 
As sort(;d best with present things. The sun 
Had first his precept so to move, so shine. 
As might affect the earth with cold and heat 
Scarce tolerable, and from the north to call 
Decrepit winter, from the south to bring 655 

Solstitial summer's heat. To the blanc moon 
Her office they prescribed ; to the other five 
Their planetary motions and aspects, 
In sextile, squai'C, and trine, and opposite 
Of noxious efficacy, and when to join 660 

In synod unbenign ; and taught the fixed 

644. Righteous. See Revela- third of the zodiac, or one hun- 
tion xvi. 7. dred and twenty degrees. AVhen 

645. extenuate^ diminish in tliey are in opposition, they are 
honor ; weaken in power. one hundred and eighty degrees 

648. descend. See Revelation from each other, or opposite 

xxi. 1, 2. They are said to be in coujunc- 

650. several charge, cliarge to tiou, or to join, when they meet 
each ; oflfice to be severally per- in the same part of the zodiac, 
formed. 660. Of noxious efficacy. The 

651. sorted with, fitted. pretended science of astrology 

652. precept, command. taught that the aspects of the 
656. solstitial. When the sun planets influenced the destiny of 

la in the northern solstice, or human beings. If the aspect 

point in the ecliptic at which it was opposite, tlieir influence waa 

ks farthest north from the equa- unbenign, as often when they 

tor, it is the height of summer were in conjunction, or met m 

to the northern hemisphere. — synod. 

\lanr,, white or pale. 661-664, tlie fixed, the fixed 

657 the other five. See V. 177. stars. The.se, like the planets, 

658 ■6'31. aspects, their situa- were supposed to act upon event? 
tion with regard to each other, on earth, and to shower mnlii, 
^\''hen in sextile, they are sepa- nant infiuence, as also to affect 
rated bj' one sixth of the zodiac, the air, so as to cause tempestu 
or sixty degrees ; when in square, oits weather, either when thej 
by one fourth of the zodiac, or rose or set with the sun 

ttinety degrees ; in trine, by one 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 313 

Their influence malignant when to shower, 

Which of them rising with the sun or felling 

Should prove tempestuous : to the winds they set 

Their corners, when with bluster to oonfound 666 

Sea, air, and shore ; the thunder when to roll 

With terror through the dark aerial hall. 

Some say, he bid his angels turn askance 

The poles of Earth twice ten degrees and more 

From the sun's axk. ; they with labor pushed 670 

Oblique the centric globe : some say, the sun 

Was bid turn reins from the equinoctial road 

Like distant breadth to Taurus with the seven 

Atlantic Sisters, and the Spartan Twins, 

Up to the Tropic Crab ; thence down amain 676 

By Leo and the Virgin and the Scales 

As deep as Capricorn, to bring in change 

Of seasons to each clime ; else had the spring 

Perpetual smiled on earth with vernant flowers, 

Equal in days and nights, except to those 680 

668-670, turn askance the poles (that is, Castor and Pollux), to 

of Earth. The Earth's axis (here Cancer, the tropic Crab. This 

supposed to have been before was its farthest northern limit, 

parallel to that of the Sun ) was whence it descended through 

turned oblique to the ecliptic, so Leo, Virgo, Libra (where it 

that it should incline, as it now crossed the Equinoctial), Scor- 

does, twice ten rlpgrees and more, pio and Sagittarius to Capri- 

This inclination of the axis causes comus, its farthest southern 

the variety of seasons on the Uniit, from which it ascended 

Earth's surface, according to the to Aries. — Like-distant breaitk. 

Copernican System of Astron- Compare line 669. — Atlantic Sis- 

omy, which was fully established ters. These were the seven daugh- 

in Milton's time by Galileo. ters of Atlas, who were trans- 

671-677, the centric ^lobe. The lated to the heavens, where they 

Earth, in the old (or Ptolemaic) form the cluster called the Plei- 

Bvstem of Astronomy, is the cen- ades or Seven Stars (of which six 

tre of the universe, and accord- only are visible) in the neck ol 

Ing to that, or as so7/ie saij, it the constellation Taurus. — the. 

was the Sun that was bid to Tropic Crab. When the Sun ia 

change its course among the in the sign Cancer, it seems to 

signs of the zodiac, so as to turn to the south ; bene* the 

drive its chariot, not, as before, word tropic, from a Greek word 

in the equinoctial road, but by as- signifying to turn, 

tent from Aries through Taurus 679' vernant, belonging tc 

and Gemini, t/ie Spartan livins spring. 



314 PARADISE LOST. [Book JL 

Beyond the polar circles ; to them day 

Had unbenlgbted shone, while the low sun, 

To recompense his distance, in their sight 

Flad rounded still the horizon, and not known 

Or east or west ; which had forbid the snow 68i 

From cold Estotiland, and south as far 

Beneath Magellan. At that tasted fruit 

The sun, as from Thyestean banquet, turned 

His course intended ; else how had the world 

Inhabited, thougli sinless, more than now 69C 

Avoided pinching cold and scorching heat ? 

These changes in the heavens, though slow, produced 

Like change on sea and land, sideral blast, 

Vapor and mist and exhalation hot. 

Corrupt and pestilent. Now from the north 696 

Of Norumbega, and the Samoed shore, 

Bursting their brazen dungeon, armed with ice 

And snow and hail, and stormy gust and flaw, 

Boieas and Cascias and Argestes loud 

682-687. Had wibenighted cording to Grecian mythology 
shone, would have shone with- the brother of Thyestes, in re- 
out night. But for the iucli- Tenge for wrongs that he had 
nation of the Earth's axis, the received, slew the two sons of 
Sun, being always in the Equi- Thyestes. and having prepared a 
noctial, would shine from pole to banquet to which he invited his 
pole, never appearing to those be- brother, placed their flesh be- 
yond the polar circles high above fore him. 

the horizon, while at the pole 689. else, otherwise. — had, 

he would seem to move round in would have. 

the horizon without either risiug 690. more than now. any 

or setting. — To recompense his more than it does now. 

distance, to compensate for the 693. sideral, belonging to or 

lOmparative want of light and produced by the stars. See 661- 

beat occasioned by his distance. 664. 

— Or, either. — which had for- 696. Nor)nnhega, a part of 
Md, this would liave forbidden North America, probably New 
or prevented. — Estotiland is a England and what lay west of it. 
name formerly applied to the — the Samoed shore, i\x& north- 
northern part of America, near ern coast of Siberia, which is 
the Arctic Circle. — Beneath Ma- inhabited by wandering tribes oi 
eellam, south of the Straits of Samoiedes. 
MageUan. 699-702. Boreas, the north 

687. At that tasted fruit, when wind ; Ccpxias, the northeast 
the fruit was tast«id. wind ; Argestes, the northwes* 

688. Thyestean banquet. Ac- wind | Thrascias, a ijorth-nortljr 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 315 

And Thrascias rend the woods and seas upturn ; 70Q 
With adverse blast upturns them from the south 
Notus and Afer, bLack with thunderous clouds 
From Serraliona ; thwart of these as fierce 
Forth rush the Levant and the Ponent winds, 
Eurus and Zephyr, with their lateral noise, 706 

Sirocco and Libecchio. Thus began 
Outrage from lifeless things ; but Discord first, 
Daughter of Sin, among the irrational 
Death introduced through fierce antipathy : 709 

Beast now with beast gan war, and fowl with fowl, 
And fish with fish ; to graze the herb all leaving 
Devoured each other, nor stood much in awe 
Of man, but fled him, or with countenance grim 
Glared on him passing. These were from without 
The growing miseries which Adam saw 715 

ALready in part, though hid in gloomiest shade, 
To sorrow abandoned, but worse felt within, 
And in a troubled sea of passion tost. 
Thus to disburden sought with sad complaint : 

" O miserable of happy ! is this the end 720 

Of this new glorious world, and me so late 
The glory of that glory, who now, become 
Accursed of blessed, hide me from the flice 
Of God, whom to behold was then my height 
Of happiness ? yet Avell, if here would end 726 

The misery ; I deserved it, and would bear 

west winfl ; Notus, the south and southwest winds, the lateral 

wind ; Afer, the southwest wind noise of Eurus and Zephyr^ th* 

coming from Africa. east and west wipuds. 

703. Serraliona, Sierra Leone. 710. gan war. See VI. 60. 
— thivart of, SlCvo&s \ at right an- 711. having, CQAsm^. 
gles with. 719. to disburden, to relicTe hlf 

704-706. Levant, BTist; Ponent, mii:.d. 
west. These are from the Italian 720. of, from. So In line T23 
words for East and West, moan- 721. we, of me. 
ing rising and setting. Siiocco 725. tcfi/, it would be well • 
l,nd Libecchio^ are the southeast 



316 PARADISE L OS T. [Book X. 

My owa deservlngs ; but this will not serve ; 

All that I eat or drink, or shall beget, 

Is propagated curse. O voice once heard 

Delightfully, ' Increase and multiply,' 780 

Now death to hear ! for what can I increase 

Or multiply, but curses on my head ? 

Who of all ages to succeed, but, feeling 

The evil on him brought by me, will curse 

My head ? — III fare our ancestor impure ; 735 

For this ice may tllank Adam ! but his thanks 

Shall be the execration ; so, besides 

Mine OAvn that bide upon me, all from me 

Shall with a fierce reflux on me redound, 

On me, as on their natural centre, light, 740 

Heavy though in their place. O fleeting'joys 

Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes ! 

Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay 

To mould me man ? did I solicit thee 

From darkness to promote me, or here place 745 

In this delicious garden ? As my will 

Concurred not to my being, it were but right 

And equal to reduce me to my dust, 

Desirous to resign and render back 

All I received, unable to perform " 750 

Thy terms too hard, by which I was to hold 

The good I sought not. To the loss of that, 

Sufficient penalty, why hast thou added 

The sense of endless woes? inexplicable 

729. voice. See Genesis i. 28. centre., and thus being in their 

733. of all ages to succeed., in place., where, according to natu- 

ftll the ages that shall follow. ral laws, they should have no 

735. lU fare., woe to. weight, the weight of bodies be- 

736. his thanks, the thanks of ing only their tendency to the 
him who thus curses his ances- centre. This seems to be the 
tor. meaning, though it is not very 

738. all fro7n me, all the curses clear, 

resulting to others from my sin. 748. equal, just. — reduce. 

Vil. Heavy though in their bring back. 

vlace, weighing heavily, though 751. 2'hy terms too hard. Se* 

lighting on him, their natural Matthew xxv. 24, 25. 



BookX.] paradise lost. 317 

Thy justice seems ; yet, to say truth, too Lite 756 

I thus contest ; then should have been refused 

Those terms whatever, when they were proposed : 

Thou didst accept them ; wilt thou enjoy the good, 

Tlien cavil the conditions ? And though God 

Made thee without thy leave, what if thy son 703 

Prove disobedient, and reproved retort, 

Wlierefore didst tliou beget me ? I sought it not : — 

Wouldst thou admit for his contempt of thee 

That proud excuse ? Yet him not thy election, 

But natural necessity, begot. 766 

God made thee of choice his own, and of his own 

To serve him ; thy reward was of his grace. 

Thy punishment then justly is at his will. 

Be it so, for I submit ; his doom is fair, 

That dust I am and shall to dust return : 770 

O welcome hour whenever ! why delays 

His hand to execute what his decree 

Fixed on this day ? why do I overlive ? 

AVhy am I mocked with death, and lengthened out 

To deathless pain ? How gladly Avould I meet 7V6 

Mortality my sentence, and be earth 

Insensible ! how glad would lay me down 

As in my mother's lap ! there I should rest 

And sleep secure ; his dreadful voice no more 

Would thunder in my ears, no fear of worse 780 

To me and to my offspiring Avould torment me 

With cruel expectation. Yet one doubt 

Pursues me still, lest all I oannot die ; 



757. whatever, whatever they 771. welcome hour xchencver, 
irere. hour welcome wheuerer it may 

758. Thou. Adam here ad- arrive. 

iresses himself. 773. on, for ; to take place on. 

759 cavil, cavil at; quarrel — over'ive,s\xv\i\f.- this day. 

»ith. 783. lest all I cannot die, that 

764. election, choice. my whole being is not mor^. 

766. of choice, by his choice. 
of his own, with his own gifts. 



318. PARA VISE L OS T. [Book X. 

Lest that pure breath of life, the spirit of man 

Which God inspired, cannot together perish 785 

With this corporeal clod ; then in the grave, 

Or in some other dismal place, who knoAvs 

But I shall die a living death ? O thought 

Horrid, if true ! Yet why ? it was but breath 

Of life that sinned : Avhat dies but what had life 790 

And sin ? the body properly hath neither. 

All of me then shall die ; let this appease 

The doubt, since human reach no further knows. 

For though the Lord of all be infinite, 

Is his wrath also ? Be it, man is not so, 795 

But mortal doomed. How can he exercise 

Wrath without end on man, whom death must end ? 

Can he make deathless death ? that were to make 

Strange contradiction, which to God himself 

Impossible is held, as argument 800 

Of weakness, not of power. Will he draw out, 

For anger's sake, finite to infinite 

In punished man, to satisfy his rigor 

Satisfied never ? that Avere to extend 

His sentence beyond dust and Nature's law, 806 

By Avhich all causes else according still 

To the reception of their matter act. 

Not to the extent of their own sphere. But say 

That death be not one stroke, as I supposed. 

Bereaving sense, but endless misery «10 

From this day onward, Avhich I feel begun 

Both in me and without me, and so last 

To perpetuity — ay me ! that fear 

784. breath of life. See Genesis 806. all causes else, ah othet 

|i. 7. causes. 

793. human reach, the reach 807. the reception of their mat 

»f human thought. ter, what the matter on which 

795. Be it, though it be ; they act is capable of receiy 
though his wrath be infinite. ing. 

796. mortal doomed, con- 810. Bereaving, taking away 
temned to die by force. 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 319 

Comes tliundering back Avith dreadful revolution 
On my defenceless head ; both death and I 815 

Am found eternal, and incorporate both ; 
Nor I on my part single, in me all 
Posterity stands cursed : fair patrimony 
That I must leave ye, sons ! Oh, were I able 
To waste it all myself, and leave ye none ! 820 

So disinherited, how would ye bless 
Me, now your curse ! Ah, why should all mankind 
For one man's fault thus guiltless be condemned — 
If guiltless ? but from me what can proceed 
But all corrupt, both mind and will depraved, 825 
Not to do only but to will the same 
With me ? how can they then acquitted stand 
In sight of God ? Him after all disputes 
Forced I absolve ; all my evasions vain 
And reasonings, though through mazes, lead me still 
But to my own conviction : first and last 831 

On me, me only, as the source and spring 
Of all corruption, all the blame lights due ; 
So might the wrath ! Fond wish ! couldst thou sup- 
port 
That burden, heavier than the earth to bear, 835 

Than all the world much heavier, though divided 
With that bad woman ? Thus what thou desir'st, 
And what thou fear'st, alike destroys all hope 
Of refuge, and concludes thee miserable 
Beyond all past example and future, 840 

To Satan only like, both crime and doom. 

conscience, into what abyss of fears 

^nd horrors hast thou driven me ; out of which 

1 find no way, from deep to deeper plunged ! " 

614. revolution^ return 834. So might the wrath, 

816. incorporate both, hound wjuld that the wrath might also 

together as in one body. light on me. 

829. Forced I absolve, I am 839. concludes^ finally judges 

forced to absolye. 841. both, both as to. 

883. due^ deserved. 



320 PARADlSh LObi ^Mook X. 

Thus Adam to himself lamented loud 81S 

Through the still night, not now, as ere man fell, 
Wholesome and cool and mild, but with black air 
Accompanied, with damps and ^dreadful gloom, 
Which to his evil conscience represented 
All things with double terror : on the ground 850 

Outstretched he lay, on the cohl ground, and oft 
Cui-sed his creation, death as oft accused 
Of tardy execution, since denounced 
The day of his offence. " Why comes not death," 
Said he, " with one thrice-acceptable stroke 856 

To end me ? shall truth fail to keep her word. 
Justice divine not hasten to be just ? 
But death comes not at all, justice divine 
Mends not her slowest pace for prayers or cries. 

woods, O fountains, hillocks, dales, and bowers ! 
With other echo late I taught your shades 861 
To answer, and resound far other song." 

Whom thus afflicted when sad Eve beheld. 
Desolate where she sat, approaching nigh 
Sofl words to his fierce passion she assayed ; 865 

But her with stern regard he thus repelled : 

" Out of my sight, thou serpent ! that name best 
Befits thee with him leagued, thyself as false 
And hateful ; nothing wants, but that thy shape 
Like his, and color serpentine, may show 870 

Thy inward fraud, to warn all creatures from thee 
Henceforth ; lest that too heavenly form, pretended 
To hellish falsehood, snare them. But for thee 

1 had persisted happy, had not thy pride 

853 since denounced, since it 869. wanfs, is wanting, 

had been denounced. 871. fraud, guile. 

854. The day. "In the day ^12. pretended to,la.mxghe.toTQ- 

*hat thou eatest thereof, thou spread over. This is from th« 

ihalt surely die." Gen. ii. 17. Latin verb " prae-tendo," tc 

862. far of'ier song. See IV. stretch before. 

720-735, v. 144-208. 874. had persisted, should hay* 

865. assayed, tried ; offered. continued. 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 321 

And wandering vanity, when least was safe, 875 

Rejected my forewarning, and disdained 

Not to be trusted ; longing to be seen, 

Though by the Devil himself, him overweening 

To overreach, but with the serpent meeting 

Fooled and beguiled ; by him thou, I by thee, 880 

To trust thee from my side, imagined wise, 

Constant, mature, proof against all assaults, 

And understood not all Avas but a show 

Rather than solid virtue, all but a rib 

Crooked by nature, bent, as now appears, 886 

Moi-e to the part sinister, from me drawn, 

Well If throAvn out as supernumerary 

To my just number found. Oh, why did God, 

Creator wise, that peopled highest Heaven 

With spirits mascuHne, create at last 890 

This novelty on earth, this fair defect 

Of nature, and not fill the world at once 

With men as angels without feminine, 

Or find some other way to generate 

Mankind ? This mischief had not then befallen, 895 

And more that shall befell ; Innumerable 

Disturbances on earth through female snares. 

And strait conjunction with this sex : for either 

He never shall find out fit mate, but such 

As some misfortune brings him, or mistake ; 900 

Or whom he wishes most shall seldom gain. 

Through her perverseness, but shall see her gained 

By a far worse, or if she love, withheld 

By parents ; or his happiest choice too late 

Shall meet, already linked and wedlock-bound 905 

875. xohenleoit was safe, xihen 886. «n^5fer, left. See VIII. 465 

it was least safe. Sinister also means unlucky. 

878. overweening, conceitedly bD9. He, the man. 

thinking. 901. whom, her whom . 

880. by him thou, I by thee. 905. already, when be is al 

8«e Genesis iii. 12, 1-3. ready. 
21 



S22 PARADISE LOST. [Book 3 

To a fell adversary, liis hate or shame : 

Which infinite calamity shall cause 

To human life, and household peace confound." 

He added not, and from her turned : but Eve, 
Not so repulsed, with tears that ceased not flow- 
ing, 
And tresses all disordered, at his feet 9] I 

Fell humble, and embracing them besought 
His peace, and thus proceeded in her plaint : 

" Forsake me not thus, Adam ! witness Heaven 
What love sincere and reverence in my heart 915 

I bear thee, and unweeting have offended, 
Unhappily deceived : thy suppliant 
I beg, and clasp thy knees ; bereave me not. 
Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid. 
Thy counsel, in this uttermost distress, 920 

My only strength and stay : forlorn of thee, 
Whither shall I betake me, where subsist ? 
While yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps, 
Between us two let there be peace ; both joining, 
As joined in injuries, one enmity 926 

Against a foe by doom express assigned us, 
That cruel serpent. On me exercise not 
Thy hatred for this misery befallen. 
On me already lost, me than thyself 
More miserable ; both have sinned, but thou, 980 

Against God only, I against God and thee. 
And to the place of judgment will return. 
There with my cries importune Heaven, that all 
The sentence, from thy head removed, may light 

913. peace, pardon. 921. forlorn, deprived. 

QIQ. univeeting. See line 335. 92'i, 92b. joining one e7imity. 
919. of thy gentle looks, on 933. importune, importunately 

irhich I live, or of thy aid. beseech. 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 323 

On mc, sole cause to thee of all this woe ; 835 

Me, me only, just object of his ire." 

She ended weeping, and her lowly plight, 
Immovable till peace obtained from fault 
Acknowledged and deplored, in Adam wrought 
Commiseration ; soon his heart relented 940 

Towards her, his life so late and sole delight, 
Now at his feet submissive in distress. 
Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking. 
His counsel whom she had displeased, his aid : 
As one disarmed, his anger all he lost, 945 

And thus with peaceful words upraised her soon : 

" Unwary, and too desirous, as before 
So now, of what thou know'st not, who desir'st 
The punishment all on thyself ; alas ! 
Bear thine own first, ill able to sustain 950 

His full wrath, whose thou feel'st as yet least part, 
And my displeasure bear'st so ill. If prayei"S 
Could alter high decrees, I to that place 
Would speed before thee, and be louder heard, 
That on my head all might be visited, 955 

Thy frailty and infirmer sex forgiven. 
To me committed and by me exposed. 
But rise ; let us no more contend, nor blame 
Each other, blamed enough elsewhere, but strive, 
In offices of love, how we may lighten 960 

Each other's burden in our share of woe ; 
Since this day's death denounced, if aught I see, 
Will prove no sudden but a slow-paced evil, 
A long day's dying to augment our pain. 
And to our seed (O hapless seed !) derived." 955 

938. obtained should be ob- or simply, of which. — least^hni 
ained. the leiist. 

951. whose, of whose wrath; 953. to that place. See Une 1086 
• 9t55. derived, communicated. 



324 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

To whom thus Eve, recovering heart, replied: 
" Adam, by sad experiment I know 
How little weiglit my words with thee can find, 
Fqund so erroneous ; thence by just event 
Found so unfortunate : nevertheless, 97^ 

Restored by thee, vile as I am, to place 
Of new acceptance, hopeful to regain 
Thy love, the sole contentment of my heart, 
Living or dying, from thee I will not hide 
What thoughts in my uncpilet breast are risen, 976 
Tending to some relief of our extremes, 
Or end, though shaip and sad, yet tolerable, 
As in our evils, and of easier choice. 
If care of our descent perplex us most, 
Which must be born to certain woe, devoured 980 
By Death at last (and miserable it is 
To be to others cause of misery. 
Our own begotten, and of our loins to bring 
Into this cursed world a woful race, 
That after wretched life must be at last 986 

Food for so foul a monster), in thy power 
It lies, yet ere conception, to prevent 
The race unblest, to being yet unbegot. 
Childless thou art, childless remain : so Death 
Shall be deceived his glut, and with us two 900 

Be forced to satisfy his ravenous maw. 
But if thou judge it hard and difficult, 
Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain 
From love's due rites, nuptial eaibraces sweet, 
And with desire to languish without hope, aee 

Before the present object languishing 

967. experiment, experience. 979. descent, descendants ; po* 

969. event, conseiiuence. terity. 

976. extremes, extreme misery. 990. deceived his glut, cheated 

978. Considering our evils, and of his fill. 

Bftdier to choose than the endur- 993. Conversing. See V III. 41& 
uice of our woes 



8ooK X.] PARADISE LOST. 325 

With like desire, which would be misery 

And torment less than none of what we dread ; 

Then, both ourselves and seed at once to free 

From what we fear for both, let as make shoit, 10(v^ 

Let us seek Death, or, he not found, supply 

With our own hands his office on ourselves. 

Why stand we longer shivering under fears 

That show no end but death, and have the power, 

Of many ways to die the shortest choosing, 1005 

Destruction with destruction to destroy ? " 

She ended here, or vehement despair 
Broke off' the rest ; so much of death her thoughts 
Had entertained as dyed her cheeks with pale. 
But Adam, with such counsel nothing swayed, lOlO 
To better hopes his more attentive mind 
Laboring had raised, and thus to Eve replied : 

" Eve, thy contempt of life and pleasure seems 
To argue in thee something more sublime 
And excellent than what thy mind contemns ; 1015 
But self-destruction therefore sought refutes 
That excellence thought in thee, and impUes 
Not thy contempt, but anguish and regret 
For loss of life and pleasure overloved. 
Or if thou covet death as utmost end loao 

Of misery, so thinking to evade 
The penalty pronounced, doubt not but God 
Hath wiselier armed his vengeful ire than so 
To be forestalled ; much more I fear lest death 
So snatched will not exempt us from the pain 1021 
We are by doom to pay ; rather such acts 
Of contumacy will provoke the Highest 
To make death in us live. Then let us seek 

lOO'l. and have, while we have 1024. forestallerJ . anticipated 
1009. paUf paleness. 1026. oy doom, doomed. 



326 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

Some safer resolution, which methlnks 

I have in view, calling to mind with heed 1Q% 

Part of our sentence, that thy seed shall bruise 

The serpent's head ; piteous amends ! unless 

Be meant, whom I conjecture, our grand foe 

Satan, who in the serpent hath contrived 

Against us this deceit : to crush his head 1038 

AVould be revenge indeed ; which will be lost 

By death brought on ourselves, or childless days 

Resolved as thou proposest ; so ou^r foe 

Shall scape his punishment ordained, and wc 

Instead shall double ours upon our heads. 1040 

No more be mentioned then of violence 

Against ourselves, and wilful barrenness, 

That cuts us off from hope, and savors only 

Rancor and pride, impatience and despite. 

Reluctance against God and his just yoke 1045 

Laid on our necks. Remember with what mild 

And gracious temper he both heard and judged, 

Without wrath or reviling ; we expected 

Immediate dissolution, which we thought 

Was meant by death that day, when lo, to thee 

Pains only in child-bearing were foretold, 1051 

And bringing forth, soon recompensed with joy, 

Fruit of thy womb : on me the curse aslope 

Glanced on the ground ; with labor I must earn 

My bread ; what harm ? idleness had been worse ; 

My labor will sustain me : and, lest cold 1056 

Or heat should injure us, his timely care 

Hath unbesought provided, and his hands 

Clothed us unworthy, pitying while he judged. 

How much more, if we pray him, will his ear 106C 

Be open, and his heart to pity incline, 

And teach us further by what means to shun 

1038. Reiolved, resolved or de- 1052. recompensed, to be >» 
lermined on compensed. 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 327 

rhe inclement seasons, rain, ice, hail, and snow, 
Which now the sky with various face begins 
To show us in this mountain, while the winds 1065 
Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks 
Of these fair spreading trees ; Avhich bids us seek 
Some better shroud, some better warmth to cherish 
Our limbs benumbed, ere this diurnal star 
Leave cold the night ; how we his gathered beams 
Reflected may with matter sere foment, 1071 

Or by collision of two bodies grind 
The air attrite to fire, as late the clouds 
Justling or pushed Avith winds rude in their shock 
Tine the slant lightning, Avhose thwart flame driven 
down 1076 

Kind.es the gummy bark of fir or pine, 
And sends a comfortable heat from far, 
Which might supply the sun. Such fire to use. 
And what may else be remedy or cure 
To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought, 1080 
He Avill instruct us praying and of grace 
Beseeching him, so as we need not fear 
To pass commodiously this life, sustained 
By him with many comforts, till we end 
In dust, our final rest and native home. 1085 

What better can we do, than to the place 
Repairing where he judged us prostrate fall 
Before him reverent, and there confess 
Humbly our faults, and pardon beg, with tears 
Watering the ground, and with our sighs the air 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign 1091 

1039. this diurnal star, the 1078. supply, serve instead of. 
Bun. 1081. o/ grace, for favor. 

1070. how, bids us seek how. 1082. as, that. 

1071. matter sere, dry sub- 1083. To pass, that we shall 
tance. — fomeiit, cherish] feed, not Tpuss. — commo/Jiously, with 

1073. attrite, rubbed. comfort or convenience. 

1075. Tine, kindle. — thwart, 1091. frequenting, filing ; 
tross. crowding. 



328 PARADISE LOST. [Cook X. 

Of sorrow unfeigned and humiliation meek ? 

Undoubtedly he will relent and turn 

From his displeasure, in whose look serene, 

When angry most he seemed and most severe, 1C9« 

What else but favor, grace, and mercy shone ? " 

So spake our father penitent, nor Eve 
Felt less remorse : they forthwith to the place 
Repairing where he judged them prostrate fell 
Before him reverent, and both confessed liao 

Humbly their faults, and pardon begged, with tears 
Watering the ground, and with their sighs the air 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign 
Of sorrow unfeigned and humiliation meek. 



BOOK XI. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

The Son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our first 
parents now repenting, and intercedes for them. God accepts 
t^em, but declares that they must no longer abide in Paradise : 
sends Michael with a band of Cherubim to dispossess them ; but 
first to reveal to Adam future things. Michael's coming down. 
Adam shows to Eve certain ominous signs ; he discerns Michael's 
approach, goes out to meet him : the Angel denounces their 
departure. Eve's lamentation. Adam pleads, but submits. The 
Angel leads him up to a high hill, sets before him in vision what 
shall happen till the flood. 

Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood 
Praying ; for from the mercy-seat above 
Prevenient grace descending had removed 
The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh 
Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breathed 5 
Unutterable, which the spirit of prayer 
Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier flight 
Than loudest oratory : yet their port 
Not of mean suitors, nor important less 
Seemed their petition, than when the ancient pair 10 
In fables old, less ancient yet than these, 

3. Prevenient, coming before ; 11-14. TThen Jupiter (Zeus) 
anticipating. had resolved to destroy the race 

4. The stony. " I will take of men. Deucalion and his wife 
the stony heart out of their flesh, P/rrha alone were spared. A 
and will give them a heart ol flood swept away all ofher mor- 
flesh." Ezekiel xi. 19. fails, and when the waters sub- 

6. Unutterable. See Romans sided Deucalion offered sacrifice, 

viii. 26. and sought to learn from the 

8. oratory, probably, uttered goddess Themis how the race 
prayer. — port, bearing. mi^ht be restored. 

9. Not^ was not that 



330 PARADISE LOST. [Book Xl 

Deucalion and cbaste Pyrrha, to restore 

The race of mankind drowned, before the shrine 

Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their prayers 

Flew up, nor missed the way by envious winds Ifi 

Blown vagabond or frustrate : in they passed 

Dimensionless through heavenly doors ; then clad 

With incense, where the gcldeii altar fumed, 

By their great Intercessor, came in sight 

Before the Father's throne : them the glad Son SO 

Presenting, thus to intercede began : 

" See, Father, what first fruits on earth are 
sprung 
From thy implanted grace in man, these sighs 
And prayers, which in this golden censer, mixed 
With incense, I thy priest before thee bring, 25 

Fruits of more pleasing savor from thy seed 
Sown with contrition in his heart, than those 
Which, his own hand manuring, all the trees 
Of Paradise could have produced, ere fallen 
From innocence. Now therefore bend thine ear 30 
To supplication, hear his sighs though mute ; 
Unskilful with what words to pray, let me 
Interpret for him, me his advocate 
And propitiation ; all his works on me. 
Good or not good, ingraft ; my merit those 85 

Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay. 
Accept me, and in me from these receive 

16. fag-aiojiv/, to and fro ; wan- SoSi. his arJ vacate and prO' 
dering. — frustrate, frustrated; pitiation. " And if any man sin, 
Daade vain. we have an advocate with the 

17. Dimensionless, immate- Father, Jesus Christ the right- 
rial ; not having dimensions like eous ; and he is the propitiation 
>natter. for our sins ; and not for oura 

24. golden altar. " The gold- only, but also for the sins of th» 

en altar which was before the whole world." 1 John ii. 1, 2. 
throne." See Revelation viii. 35. those, his good works. 
3 4. ^'j- these, his works not good. 

28 manuring. See IV. 628 Zl. these. See lines 20, 23, 31. 



Book XI.] PARADISE LOST. 331 

The smell of peace toward mankind ; let him live 
Before thee reconciled, at least his days 
Nuaibered, though sad, till death, his doom (which I 
To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse), 41 

To better life shall yield him, where with me 
All my redeemed may dwell in joy and bliss, 
Made one with me, as I with thee am one." 

To whom the Father, without cloud, serene : 4^ 
" All thy request for man, accepted Son, 
Obtain ; all thy request Avas my decree. 
But longer in that Paradise to dwell. 
The law I gave to Nature him forbids : 
Those pure immortal elements, that know M 

No gross, no unharmonious mixture foul, 
Eject him tainted now and purge him off 
As a distemper, gross to air as gross. 
And mortal food, as may dispose him best 
For dissolution wrought by sin, that first bb 

Distempered all things, and of incorrupt 
Corrupted. I at first with two fair gifts 
Created him endowed, Avith happiness 
And immortality ; that fondly lost. 
This other served but to eternize woe, 60 

Till I provided death ; so death becomes 
His final remedy, and after life. 
Tried in sharp tribulation and refined 
By faith and faithful Avorks, to second life 
Waked in the renovation of the just, 6S 

Resigns him up with heaven and earth renewed. 

39. hit days, through all his 50. Those, such as were fbuiu] 

days. in Paradise. 

42. unthme. " I will that they 54. And^ and to. — as, such 

also whom thou hast given me as. 

be with me where I am." John 56, 57. of incorrupt corrupted 

Kvii. 24. turned from incorrupt to cor>« 

44. Made one. See John xvii. rupt. 
21. 51* fondly, foolishly. 

47. vuj decree, what I had be- 66. Iieni-en and earth renewed 

fore decreed. See X. 638, 639. 



332 PARADISE LOST. [Book Xl. 

But let us call to synod all the blest 

Through Heaven's wide bounds ; from them I will 

not hide 
My judgments, how with mankind I proceed, 
As how with peccant angels late they saw, 70 

And in their state, though firm, stood more con- 
firmed." 

He ended, and the Son gave signal high 
To the bright minister that watched ; he blew 
His trumpet, heard in Oreb since perhaps 
When God descended, and perhaps once more 76 

To sound at general doom. The angelic blast 
Filled all the regions : fi-om their blissful bowers 
Of amarantine shade, fountain or spring. 
By the waters of life, where'er they sat 
In fellowships of joy, the sons of light 80 

Hasted, resorting to the summons high, 
And took their seats ; till from his throne supreme 
The Almighty thus pronounced his sovran will : 

" O sons, like one of us Man is become 
To know both good and evil, since his taste 86 

Of that defended fruit ; but let him boast 
His knowledge of good lost and evil got. 
Happier had it sufficed him to have known 
Good by itself, and evil not at all. 
He sorrows now, repents, and prays contrite, dO 

My motions in him ; longer than they move, 

70. peccant, sinning. — late 78. amarantine shade. See HI. 

theysaiv. See VI. 831-877. 353-361. 

73. minister^ servant; chief 79. the waters of life. "And 
attendant. See Exodus xxiv. 13. he shewed me a pure river ol 
Matthew xx. 26. water of life, clear as crystal, 

74. heard in Oreb. See Exo- proceeding out of the throne of 
dus xix. 19. Oreb., Iloreb or God and the Lamb." Revelation 
Sinai. — pfHiaps, perhaps the xxii. 1. 

Bame. 86. defended, forbidden. 

75. once more. "For the 91. longer than they mact 
trumpet shall sound." 1 Cor- when they cease to move, 
mthians xv. 52. 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 388 

His heart I know, how variable and vain 

Self-left. Lest therefore his now bolder hand 

Reach also of the Tree of Life, and eat, 

And live for ever, dream at least to live 95 

For ever, to remove him I decree, 

And send him from the garden forth to till 

The ground whence he was taken, fitter soil. 

Michael, this my behest have thou in charge ; 

Take to thee from among the Cherubim 100 

Thy choice of flaming warriors, lest the Fiend, 

Or in behalf of man, or to invade 

Vacant possession, some new trouble raise : 

Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God 

Without remorse drive out the sinful pair, 106 

From hallowed ground the unholy, and denounce 

To them and to their progeny from thence 

Perpetual banishment. Yet, lest they faint 

At the sad sentence rigorously urged 

(For I behold them softened and with tears iiO 

Bewailing their excess), all terror hide. 

If patiently thy bidding they obey, 

Dismiss them not disconsolate; reveal 

To Adam what shall come in future days, 

As I shall thee enlighten ; intermix 115 

My covenant in the woman's seed renewed : 

So send them forth, though sorrowing yet in peace ; 

And on the east side of the garden place, 

Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs. 

Cherubic watch, and of a sword the flame lao 

Wide waving, all approach far oS" to fright, 

93. Self-left^ left to itself. 111. excess, transgression. 

94. Tree of Life. See Genesis 115. intermix, with the sad 
iii. 22. tidings mingle the joyful as8U< 

97. send him. See Genesis iii. ranee of. 
23. 120. Cherubic watch. See Gen- 

103 Or, either. esis iii. 24 

105. remorse, compunction ; 
t)ity. 



334 PARADISE LOST. [Book Xi 

And gnard all passage to the Tree of Life ; 

Lest Paradise a receptacle prove 

To spirits foul, and all my trees tlieir prey, 121 

With whose stolen fruit man once more to delude." 

He ceased ; and the archangelic pow^r prepared 
For swift descent, with him the cohort bright 
Of watchful Cherubim ; four foces each 
Had, like a double Janus, all their shape 
Spangled with eyes, more numerous than those 130 
Of Argus, and more wakeful than to drowse, 
Charmed with Arcadian pipe, the pastoral reed 
Of Hermes, or his opiate rod. Meanwhile, 
To re-salute the world with sacred light, 
Leucothea waked, and with fresh dews embalmed 136 
The earth, when Adam and first matron Eve 
Had ended now their orisons, and found 
Strength added from above, new hope to spring 
Out of despair, joy, but with fear yet linked ; 
Which thus to Eve his welcome words renewed ; 140 

" Eve, easily may faith admit that all 
The good which we enjoy from Heaven descends ; 
But that from us aught should ascend to Heaven 
So prevalent as to concern the mind 

127. cohort^ band. sweet sounds of his flute or 

128. four faces. "Every one Arcadian pipe., and touched him 
had four faces apiece." Ezekiel with his opiate rod. — Arcadian, 
X. 21. belonging to Arcadia, a country 

129. Jam/s was a Roman deity, of shephei-ds, by whom Hermes 
commonly represented with two was especially worshipped. — 
faces. pastoral, belonging to shep- 

130. with eyes. See Ezekiel x. herds. — opiate, sleep-giving. 
12. 135. Leucothea, signifying in 

131-133. Argus was said to Greek White-goddess, was a god- 
have had a hundred eyes, lie dess of the sea. Milton here 
was set by Ilera (Juno) to guard uses the name for the goddess of 
lo, whom she had metamor- the dawn. 

phosed into a cow. But Herines 144. ^jrevaZeni, prevailing ; effl 

(Mercury) slew him, having cacious. 
bulled him to sleep with the 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 335 

Of God higb-blest, or to incline his will, liB 

Hard to belief may seem ; yet this will prayer, 

Or one short sigh of human breath, upborne 

Even to the seat of God For since I sought 

By prayer the offended Deity to appease, 

Kneeled and before him humbled all my heart, 160 

Methought I saAv him placable and mild, 

Bending his ear ; persuasion in me grew 

That I was heard Avith favor ; peace returned 

Home to my breast, and to my memory 

His promise that thy seed shall bruise our foe ; 156 

Which, then not minded in dismay, yet now 

Assures me that the bitterness of death 

Is past, and we shall live. Whence hail to thee, 

Eve rightly called, mother of all mankind. 

Mother of all things living, since by thee 16C 

Man is to live, and all things live for man ! " 

To whom thus Eve with sad demeanor meek : 
" 111 worthy I such title should belong 
To me transgressor, who, for thee ordained 
A help, became thy snare ; to me reproach 166 

Rather belongs, distrust and all dispraise : 
But infinite in pardon was my Judge, 
That I, who first brought death on all, am graced 
The source of life ; next favorable thou. 
Who highly thus to entitle me vouchsaf'st, 170 

Far other name deserving. But the field 
To labor calls us now with sweat imposed 
Though after sleepless night ; for see, the morn, 
All unconcerned with our unrest, begins 



146. this will prayer, prayer call3d his wife's name Eve, !»• 

•rill do this. cause she was the mother of all 

157. " And Agag said, Surelj living." Genesis iii. 20. 

Bie bitterness of death is past." l(jS. am graced, am so favored 

1 Samuel xv. 32. as to be. 

159. rightly callid. "And Adam 172. imposed, laid upon ii8- 



336 PARADISE LOST. [Book XI. 

Her rosy progress smiling. Let us forth, 176 

I never from thy side henceforth to stray, 
Where'er our day's work lies, though now enjoined 
Laborious, till day droop ; while here we dwell, 
What can be toilsome in these pleasant walks ? 
Here let us live, though in fallen state, content." 180 

So spake, so wished much-humbled Eve, but Fate 
Subscribed not ; Nature first gave signs, impressed 
On bird, beast, air, air suddenly eclipsed 
After short blush of morn ; nigh in her sight 
The bird of Jove, stooped from his aery tour, 186 

Two birds of gayest plume before him drove : 
DoAvn from a hill tlie beast that reigns in woods, 
First hunter then, pursued a gentle brace. 
Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind ; 
Direct to the eastern gate was bent their flight. 190 
Adam observed, and, with his eye the chase 
Pursuing, not unmoved to Eve thus spake : 

" O Eve, some further change awaits us nigh, 
Which Heaven by these mute signs in Nature showo, 
Forerunners of his purpose, or to warn 195 

Us haply too secure of our discharge 
From penalty, because from death released 
Some days ; how long, and what till then our life, 
Who knows, or more than this, that we are dust, 
And thither must return and be no more? 200 

Why else this double object in our sight 
Of flight, pursued in the air and o'er the ground, 

182. Subscribed, assented ; 187. the beast that reigns, th« 
Hgreed. lion, king of beasts. 

183. ed/pserf, become dark with 196. secure, ceTtain. 

eloiids. 198. Some days, for some days 

185. The bird of Jove, the 199. or more than this, or whf 
eagle. — stooped, haying stooped, knows more than this. 
— tour, wheel. Or it may mean 
tower; the height to which he 
towers. 



Boos XI.] PARADISE LOST. 337 

One way the self-same hour ? TVHiy in the east 
Darkness ere day's mid-course, and morning light 
More orient in yon "western cloud, that draws 306 

O'er the blue firmament a radiant white, 
And slow descends with something heavenly 
fraught ? " 

He erred not, for by this the heavenly bands 
Down from a sky of jasper lighted now 
Tn Paradise, and on a hill made halt ; 210 

A glorious apparition, had not doubt 
And carnal fear that day dimmed Adam's eye. 
Not that more glorious, when the angels met 
Jacob in Mahana'im, where he saw 
The field pavilioned with his guardians briglit ; 216 
Nor that which on the flaming mount appeared 
In Dothan, covered with a camp of fire, 
Against the SjTian king, who, to surprise 
One man, assassin-like had levied war, 
War unproclaimed. The princely Ilierarch 220 

In their bright stand there left his powers to seize 
Possession of the garden ; he alone, 
To find where Adam sheltered, took his way, 
Not unperceived of Adam, who to Eve, 
While the great visitant approached, thus spake : 225 

" Eve, now expect great tidings, which perhaps 
Of us will soon determine, or impose 
New laws to be observed ; for I descry, 
From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill, 

203. TF^jy, why .is there. 213-215. See Genesis xxxii.l, •4, 

205. More orinit, more bright 216-220. See 2 Kings yi. 8-17. 

than the rising ught. — Hierarck. See line 99. 

208. by this, by this time. 221. statttl, station ; or, In theit 

209. a sky of jasper. •' Her bright stand, standing in theil 
light was like unto u stone most brightness. 

precious, even like a jasper stone, 223. shelter ed^ha^di taken shel- 

clear as crystal." Revelation ter. 

txi- 11- 227. determine^ decide the £sit8 
211. apparition^ appearance. 

22 



338 PARADISE LOST. [Book XI. 

One of the heavenly host, and by h's gait aso 

None of the meanest, some great potentate, 

Or of the Thrones above, such majesty 

Invests hhn coming ; yet not terrible 

That I should fear, nor sociably mild 

As Raphael that I should much confide ; 235 

But solemn and sublime, whom not to offend, 

With reverence I must meet, and thou retire." 

He ended ; and the Archangel soon drew nigli, 
Not in his shape celestial, but as man 
Clad to meet man ; over his lucid arms 240 

A military vest of purple flowed, 
Livelier than Meliboean, or the grain 
Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old 
In time of truce ; Iris had dipped the woof : 
His starry helm unbuckled showed him prime 245 

In manhood where youth ended ; by his side, 
As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword, 
Satan's dire dread, and in his hand the spear. 
Adam bowed Ioav ; he kingly from his state 
Inclined not, but his coming thus declared : 250 

" Adam, Heaven's high behest no preface needs : 
Sufficient that thy prayers are heard, and death, 
Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress, 
Defeated of his seizure, many days 
Given thee of grace, wherein thou may'st repent, 265 

232. Or of, or one of. 247. In a belt gUstering lik« 

233. Invests, clothes. the Zodiac. 

235. As Raphael. See V. 22 : 248. Satan's dire dread. See 

VII. 40, 41. VI. 320-328. • 

242. Melibaan. Melibnea, a 249. state, stateliness ; stately 
town in Thessaly, was celebrated bearing. 

ft)r its purple dye. — ^mm, dye 250. inclined, hent. 

n color. See V. 285. 254. Defeated, is defeated, cli» 

243. Sarra, the ambient Tyre, appointed. — se/suT-e, possession 
»lso famous for its purple. _ 255. Given, are given. 

244. Iris, the personification of 
Ihe rainbow. 



booKXI.] PARADISE LOST. 339 

And one bad act with many deeds well done 

May'st cover. Well may then thy Lord appeased 

Redeem thee quite from death's rapacious claim ; 

But longer in this Pciradlse to dwell 

Permits not ; to remove thee I am come, 260 

And send thee fi'om the garden forth, to till 

The ground whence thou wast taken, fitter soil." 

He added not, for Adam at the news 
Heart-struck with chilling gripe of sorrow stood 
That all his senses bound ; Eve, who unseen 266 

Yet all had heard, with audible lament 
Discovered soon the place of her retire : 

" unexpected stroke, worse than of death ! 
Must I thus leave thee, Paradise ? thus leave 
Thee, native soil, these happy walks and shades, 270 
Fit haunt of gods, where I had hope to spend, 
Quiet though sad, the respite of that day 
That must be mortal to us both ? O flowers, 
Q^hat never will in other climate grow, 
My early visitation and my last 278 

At even, which I bred up with tender hand 
From the first opening bud and gave ye names, 
Who now shall rear ye to the sun, or rank 
Your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount ? 
Thee lastly, nuptial bower, by me adorned 2S0 

With what to sight or smell was sweet, from thee 
How shall I part, and whither wander down 
[nto a lower world, to this obscure 
And wild ? How shall we breathe in other air 
Less pure, accustomed to immortal fruits ? " 286 

260. Permits, he, thy Lord, 272. respite, delay ; postpone- 

permiis. ment. 

267. Discovered. See I. 64. — 283. to this, compared with 

retire, retirement ; retreat. this. 



340 PARADISE LOST. [Book II 

WLom thus the angel interrupted mild : 
^ Lament not, Eve, but patiently resign 
What justly thou hast lost ; nor set thy heart, 
Thus over-fond, on that ^yhich is not thine : 
Tiiy going is not lonely ; with thee goes 290 

Thy husband ; him to follow thou art bound ; 
Where he abides, think there thy native soil." 

Adam by this from the cold sudden damp 
Recovering, and his scattered spirits returned, 
To Michael thus his humble words addressed : 295 

" Celestial ! whether among the Thrones, or named 
Of them the highest, for such of shape may seem 
Prince above princes, gently hast thou told 
Thy message, which might else in telling wound 
And in performing end us ; what besides 300 

Of sorrow and dejection and despair 
Our frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring. 
Departure from this happy place, our sweet 
Recess, and only consolation left, 
Familiar to our eyes, all places else 805 

Inhospitable appear and desolate, 
Nor knowing us nor known : and if by prayer 
Incessant I could hope to change the will 
Of him who all things can, I would not cease 
To weary him with my assiduous cries. 810 

But prayer against his absolute decree 
No more avails than breath against the wind, 
Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth : 
n^erefore to his ereat bidding I submit. 

292. See Ruth I. IP, 17. 297. such of shape, one of such 

293. by this, by this time. shape. 

294. returned, having returned ; 305. Perhaps a semicolon would 
being restored. be better than the comma. 

296. whether, whether thou 307. Nor, neither. 
Mi. 309. all things can, has aO 

power. 



Book XI.] PARADISE LOST. 341 

This most afflicts me, that departing hence 816 

As from his face I shall be hid, deprived 
His blessed countenance ; here I coidd freqaent 
^ith worship place by place where he vouchsafed 
Presence divine, and to my sons relate, 

On this mount he appeared, under this tree 820 

Stood visible, among these pines his voice 
I heard, here with him at this fountain talked : * 
So many grateful altars I would rear 
Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone 
Of lustre fi'om the brook, in memory 325 

Or monument to ages, and thereon 
Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers. 
In yonder netlier world where shall I seek 
His bright appearances, or footstep trace ? 
For thougli I fled him angry, yet, recalled 8S) 

To life prolonged and promised race, I now 
Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts 
Of glory, and far off his steps adore." 

To whom thus Michael with rescard beni2:n ; 
" Adam, thou know'st Heaven his, and all the earth, 
Not this rock only ; his omnipresence fills 338 

Land, sea, and air, and every kind that lives, 
Fomented by his virtual power and warmed : 
All the earth he gave thee to possess and rule. 
No despicable gift ; surmise not then 340 

His presence to these narrow bounds confined 
Of Paradise or Eden : this had been 
Perhaps thy capital seat, from whence had spread 
All generations, and had hither come. 
From all the ends of thf earth, to celebrate 345 

316. deprived, deprived of. 3oo. Heaven his, that Heaven 

321. his voice. See Genesis is his. 

»i- 8. 338. Fomented. See IV. 669 

^IZ. grateful altars. See Gen- — r/Vfua/ pon'^r, potent energy. 

*i8 xii. 7. 342. had, might or would hav» 

825. Of lustre, shining. — m ^^. celebrate. See II. 241. 
memory. See Joshua iv. 19-24 



342 PARADISE LOST. [Book XL 

And reverence thee their great progenitor. 

But this preeminence thou hast lost, buought down 

To dwell on even ground now with thy sons. 

Yet doubt not but in valley and in plain 

God is as here, and will be found alike 35(1 

Present, and of his presence many a sign 

Still following thee, still compassing thee round 

With goodness and paternal love, his face 

Express, and of his steps the track divine. 

Which that thou may'st believe, and be confirmed 365 

Ere thou from hence depart, know I am sent 

To show thee what shall come in future days 

To thee and to thy offspring ; good with bad 

Expect to hear, supernal grace contending 

With sinfulness of men ; thereby to learn 3^ 

True patience, and to temper joy with fear 

And pious sorrow, equally inured 

By moderation either state to bear. 

Prosperous or adverse : so shalt thou lead 

Safest thy life, and best prepared endure 865 

Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend 

This hill ; let Eve (for I have drenched her eyes) 

Here sleep below, while thou to foresight wak'st ; 

A.S once thou slept'st, while she to life was formed. 

To whom thus Adam gratefully replied : 370 

'' Ascend, I follow thee, safe guide, the path 
Thou lead'st me, and to the hand of Heaven sub- 
mit, 
However chastening ; to the evil turn 
My obvious breast, arming to overcome 
By suffering, and earn rest from labor won, 375 

352. coiyipassing. '' With favor 368. foresight, the sight of 

rilt thou compass him as with a what shall come in future days. 
shield." Psalm t. 12. 374. obvious, meeting in th# 

354. Express, will express way ; opposing in front. See VI 

867. drenched, steeped. 69. — arming, arming myself. 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 34S 

If so I may attain." So both ascend 

[n the visions of God. It was a hill, 

Of Paradise the highest, from whose top 

The hemisphere of earth in clearest ken 87S 

Stretched out to the amplest reach of prospect lay. 

Not higher that hill, or wider looking round, 

Whereon, for dilferent cause, the Tempter set 

Our second Adam in the wilderness. 

To show him all earth's kingdoms and their glory. 

His eye might there command wherever stood 386 

City of old or modern fame, the seat 

Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls 

Of Cambalu, seat of Cathaian Can, 

And Samarchand by Oxus, Temir's throne, 

To Paqidn of SInaean kings ; and thence 880 

To Agra and Labor of Great Mogul, 

Down to the golden Chersonese ; or where 

The Persian in Ecbatan sat, or since 

In Hispahan, or where the Russian Ksar 

377. " In the visions of God conqueror, who extended his do- 
brought he me into the land of minions over the -westem and 
Israel, and set me upon a very southwestern parts of Asia, 
high mountain." Ezekiel xl. 2. 3d0. Paquin. Ft-kin.— Sinr^an 

379. ken, view. here means Chinese. The Sinae 

381. tJiat hill. See Matthew svere the easternmost people of 

ly. 8. Asia, as known to the ancients. 

'383. Our second Adam. See 391. Agra and Lnhor (Lahore) 

1 Corinthians xv. 45. are cities in the north of Hindos- 

.385. wherever^ every place in tan. The latter, situated in the 

which. district of the Puujaub, was of 

387. destined, appointed to be great extent in the times of the 
hereafter. Great Mosul, a name given to 

388. Cambalu was reported to the descendants of the Mongul 
be the chief city of Cathav. — conqueror who established an 
Cathakh.1. See X. 293. — Can, empire in India in the sixteenth 
Khan. century. 

389. Samarchand is a city of 392. the golden Chersonese, the 
Independent Tartary, situated peninsula of Malacca. 

»ast of the river Oxus, but not 393. Ecbatan, or Ecbatana, 

aear to it. It was formerly a was a great city of ancient Per- 

place of great importance, and sia, in which was a magnificent 

Ui the fourteenth century was palace, the summer residence of 

TV/»;V'\ throne, the capital of the Persi.an kings. 

'J imour or Tamerlane, a great 394. Hispahan, Ispahan 



344 



PARADISE LOST. 



[Book XI 



In Mosco, or the Sultan in Bizance, 89fi 

Turcliestan-born ; nor could his eye not ken 

The empire of Negus, to his utmost port 

Ercoco, and the less maritime kings, 

Mombaza and Quiloa and Melind, 

And Sofala, thought Ophir, to the realm 400 

Of Congo, and Angola farthest south ; 

Or thence from Niger flood to Atlas mount, 

The kingdoms of Alinansor, Fez and Sus, 

Morocco and Algiers and Tremisen ; 

On Europe thence, and where Rome was to sway 405 

The world : in spirit perhaps he also saw 

Rich Mexico the seat of Montezume, 

Ajid Cusco in Peru, the richer seat 

Of Atabalipa, and yet unspoiled 

Guiana, whose great city Geryon's sons 410 



395. Mosco, Moscow, formerly 
the capital of the Muscovite or 
Russian Empire, and the seat of 
the Czar. — Bizance, Byzantium, 
now Constantinople 

896. Turchestan - born, de- 
scended from the natives of 
Turchestan, or Turkestan, a 
province of Central Asia. — nni 
could his eye not ken, and his 
eye could ken. See I. 335. 

397. T/ie empire of Negus, 
Abyssinia, the ancient Ethiopia, 
lying west of the Red Sea. In 
the Ethiopian language, Negus 
signifies king. — his, its. 

398. Ercoco, Erocco, or Arkeeko, 
a port on the Red Sea. — the less 
maritime kings, the maritime 
kings (those whose dominions 
lay along the coast) who were less 
than the Negus, or inferior in 
power to him. 

399. These seaports are on the 
eastern coast of Africa. — Melind^ 
Melinda or Melinde. 

400. thought Ophir. It has 
keen conjectured that Sofala is 
the 0/ihir of Scripture, whence 
gold and precious stones were 
Srought to Solomon. See 1 Kings 
t 11 



401. Congo and Angola are on 
the western coast of Africa. An- 
gola is south of Congo. 

402. Niger food, the river 
Niger. — Atlas mount, the chain 
of mountains on the south of 
the Bai-bary States. 

403. 404. Tke kingdoms of 
Almnnsor were in the north- 
western and northern part of 
Africa. Morocco and Fez are on 
the -western or Atlantic, while 
Sus (or Susa) and Algiers, ai-e on 
or near the northern or Mediter- 
ranean coast. 

404. Tremisen was between 
Tunis and Morocco. 

407 Montezume, Montezuma, 
who reigned in Mexico at the 
time that it was invaded by the 
Spaniards under Cortez. 

408. Cusco was the capital of 
Peru under the Incas, or native 
kings. 

409. Atabalipa was the last of 
the Incas, and was conquered by 
Pizarro. — yet unspoiled, not ye* 
spoiled or robbed of its riches. 

410. Geryon^s sons, the Spaa 
iards. Geryon was a monster, 
slain by Hercules after he had 
crossed the straits which sepa 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 345 

Call El Dorado. But to nobler sights 

Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed, 

Which that false fruit tliat promised clearer sight 

Had bred ; then purged with euphrasy and rue 

The visual nerve (for he had much to see), 4U 

A.nd from the "well of life three drops instilled. 

So deep the power of these ingredients pierced, 

Even to the inmost seat of mental sight, 

That Adam, now enforced to close his eyes. 

Sunk down, and all his spirits became intranced ; 420 

But him the gentle angel by the hand 

Soon raised, and his attention thus recalled : 

" Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold 
The effects which thy original crime hath Avrought 
In some to spring from thee, who never touched 425 
The excepted tree, nor with the snake conspired, 
Nor sinned thy sin, yet from that sin derive 
Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds.'' 

His eyes he opened, and beheld a field, 
Part arable and tilth, whereon were sheaves 430 

New reaped, the other part sheep-walks and folds ; 
In the midst an altar as the landmark stood, 
Rustic, of grassy sord ; thither anon 
A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought 
First-fruits, the green ear and the yellow sheaf 435 
Uncalled, as came to hand ; a shepherd next, 

rate Africa from Spain, in or 426. The excepted tree. See 

aear which country Geryon is Gsnesis ii. IS, 17. 

(abled to have reigned. 430 ,.iUh, tilled ground 

411. El Dorado (the Gilded or 4-33. snrd, sward. 
Golden), the great city always 435. First-fruits. "And in 

lought in vain. process of time it came to pass 

413. that false fruit. See Gen- that Cain brought of the fruit of 
Bsis iii. 6. the ground an otTering unto tlw 

414. euphrasi/, the plant called Lord." Genesis iv. 3. 
eye-bright. This, as well as the 43)3-447. See Genesis iv. 4-8 
herb rue, was formerly suppo.sed 

to benefit the sight. 



546 PARADISE LOST. [BookXX 

More meek, came with the firstlings of his flock 

Choicest and best ; then sacrificing laid 

The inwards and their fat with incense strewed 

On the cleft wood, and all due rites performed. 44C 

His offering soon propitious fire from heaven 

Consumed with nimble glance and grateful steam ; 

The other's not, for his wiis not sincere ; 

Whereat he inly raged, and as they talked 

Smote him into the midriff with a stone 445 

That beat out life ; he fell, and deadly pale 

Groaned out his soul with gushing blood effused. 

Much at that sight was Adam in his heart 

Dismayed, and thus in haste to the angel cried : 

" O teacher, some great mischief hath befallen 450 
To that meek man, who well had sacrificed ; — 
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid ? " 

To whom Michael thus, he also moved, replied : 
" These two are brethren, Adam, and to come 
Out of thy loins ; the unjust the just hath slain, 455 
For envy that his brother's offering found 
From Heaven acceptance ; but the bloody fact 
Will be avenged, and the other's faith approved 
Lose no reward, though here thou see him die, 
Rolling in dust and gore." To which our sire r 460 

" Alas, both for the deed and for the cause I 
But have I now seen death ? Is this the way 
I must return to native dust ? O sight 
Of terror, foul and ugly to behold. 
Horrid to think, how horrible to feel ! " 465 

To whom thus Michael : " Death thou hast seen 

443. not^ it consumed not. 453. moved, affected. 

452. paid, repaid. 457. fact, deed. 



Book XI. J PARADISE LOST. 847 

In bis firet shape on man ; but many shapes 

Of death, and many are the ways that lead 

To his grim cave, all dismal ; yet to sense 

More terrible at the entrance than within. 470 

Some, as thou saw'st, by violent stroke shall die, 

By fire, flood, famine ; by intemperance more 

In meats and drinks, which on the earth shall bring 

Diseases dire, of which a monstrous crew 

Before thee shall appear ; that thou may'st know 475 

What misery the inabstinence of Eve 

Shall bring on men." Immediately a place 

Before his eyes appeared, sad, noisome, dark ; 

A lazar-house it seemed, wherein were laid 

Numbei^ of all diseased, all maladies 480 

Of ghastly spasm or racking torture, qualms 

Of heart- sick agony, all feverous kinds. 

Convulsions, epilepsies, fierce catai-rhs, 

Intestine stone and ulcer, colic pangs. 

Demoniac phrenzy, moping melancholy, 485 

And moon-struck madness, pining atrophy. 

Marasmus, and wide-wasting pestilence. 

Dropsies, and asthmas, and joint-racking rheums. 

Dire was the tossing, deep the groans; Despair 

Tended the sick, busiest from couch to couch ; 19(? 

And over them triumphant Death his dart 

Shook, but delayed to strike, though oft invoked 

With vows, as their chief good and final hope. 

Sight so deform what heart of rock could lon^ 

Dry-eyed behold ? Adam could not, but wept, 495 

Though not of woman born ; compassion quelled 



467. many shapes, many are 4S5. phrenzy, frenzy. 

ttie shapes. 4S7. 3Iaras}nus, a wasting 

476. inabstinence, indulgence away, 

of appetite; excess. 4S8. r/i<?i/w25, rheumatisms. 

479. lazar-house, a hospital or 493. roiW, eager wishes ; pray- 
pest-hou.'se. ers. 

480. of all diseased, having all 494. dejorm, out of form or 
finds of diseases. shape; disfigured; ghastly. 



348 PARADISE LOST [Book XI 

His best of man, and gave him up to tears 

A space, till firmer thoughts restrained excess ; 

And scarce recovering words his plaint renewed* 

" O miserable mankind, to what fall 500 

Degraded, to what wretched state reserved ! 
Better end here unborn. Why Is life given 
To be thus wrested from us ? rather why 
Obtruded on us thus, who, if we knew 
What we receive, would either not accept 505 

Life oifered, or soon beg to lay. it down, 
Glad to be so dismissed in peace ? Can thus 
The image of God in man, created once 
So goodly and erect, though foulty since, 
To such unsightly sufferings be debased 510 

Under inhuman pains ? Why should not man. 
Retaining still divine similitude 
In part, from such deformities be free. 
And for his Maker's image sake exempt ? " 514 

" Their Maker's image," answered Michael, " then 
Forsook them, when themselves they vilified 
To serve ungoverned appetite, and took 
His image whom they served, a brutish vice, 
Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve. 
Therefore so abject is their punishment, 53c 

Disfiguring not God's likeness but their own, 
Or if his likeness, by themselves defaced, 
While they pervert pure nature's healthful rules 
To loathsome sickness ; worthily, since they 
God's image did not reverence in themselves." 525 



497. His best of man, his ut- 518. His ima^e, the image of 

Biost manliness. appetite (personified). 

502. Better end here, it would 519. Imhictive mainly to, chief 

be better that the race of man temptation to or occasion of. ; ce 

ihould end here. IX. 739. 



B-WB XL] PARADISE LOST. 349 

" I yield it just," said Adam, " and submit. 
But is there yet no other Avay besides 
These painful passages, how we may come 
To death, and mix Avith our connatural dust ? " 628 

" There is," said Michael, " if thou well observe 
The rule of Not too iuucli, by temperance taught, 
In what thou eat'st and drink'st, seeking from thenc** 
Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight. 
Till many years over thy head return : 
So may est thou live, till like ripe fruit thou drop 
Into thy mother's lap, or be Avith ease 536 

Gathered, not harshly plucked, for death mature. 
This is old age ; but then thou must outlive 
Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will 

change 
To withered, weak, and gray ; thy senses then 540 
Obtuse all taste of pleasure must forego 
To what thou hast ; and for the air of youth, 
Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign 
A melancholy damp of cold and dry. 
To weigh thy spirits down and last consume 546 

The balm of life." To whom our ancestor : 

" Henceforth I fly not death, nor would prolong 
Life much ; bent rather how I may be quit 
Fairest and easiest of this cumbrous charge, 
Which I must keep till my appointed day 550 

Of rendering up, and patiently attend 
My dissolution." Michael replied : 

526. it just, that it is just. 543. how, to learn how. 

529. cojinalural, of the same 550. must keep. "All the dayi 

nature. of my appointed time will I wait 

535. " Thou Shalt come to thy till my change come." Jcb.xiV 

frave in a full age, like as a shock 14. 

of corn Cometh in in his season." 551. attend, await. 
Job V. 26. 

542. See Ecclesiastes xii. 1-5. 
^for, instead of. 



850 PARADISE LOST. [Book XI- 

" Nor love thy life, nor liate ; but what thou liv'st 
Live well, how long or short permit to Heaven : 
And now prepare thee for another sight." 656 

He looked, and saw a spacious plain, whereon 
Were tents of various hue ; by some were herds 
Of cattle grazing ; others, whence the sound 
Of instruments that made melodious chime 
Was heard, of harp and organ, and who moved 560 
Their stops and chords was seen ; his volant touch 
Instinct through all proportions low and high, 
Fled and pursued transverse the resonant fugue. 
In other part stood one who, at the forge 
Laboring, two massy clods of iron and brass 665 

Had melted (whether found where casual fire 
Had wasted woods on mountain or in vale 
Down to the veins of earth, thence gliding hot 
To some cave's mouth, or whether washed by stream 
From underground) ; the liquid ore he drained 570 
Into fit moulds prepared, from which he formed 
Fii'st his own tools, then what might else be 

wrought 
Fusil or graven in metal. After these, 
But on the hither side, a different sort 574 

From the high neighboring hills, which was their seat, 
Down to the plain descended : by their guise 
Just men they seemed, and all their study bent 
To worship God aright and know his Avorks 
Not hid, nor those things last which might preserve 

553. Nor, neither. across the strings. — resonant, 

556-573. See Genesis iv. 20-22. sounding ; or, perhaps, sounding 

558. others^ others there were. again, re-sounding, as the fw 

560. who^ he who. gue is a repetition. 

561. volant^ flying; quick and 573. F«si7, made fluid by heat, 
light. 573-592. See Genesis vi. 1, 2. 

562. Jns^mcf, as if by instinct ; 579. nor those things last, not 
Instinctively. were those things last theix 

563. transverse. This prob- study. 
fcbly means running along or 



5ookXI.] paradise lost. 351 

Freedom and peace to men : tliey on the plain 680 

Long had not walked, when from the tents behold 

A bevy of fair women, richly gay 

In gems and wanton dress ; to the harp they sung 

Soil amorous ditties, and in dance came on. 

The men, though grave, eyed them, and let their eyes 

Rove without rein, till in the amorous net 506 

Fast caught. they liked, and each his liking chose ; 

And now of love they treat, till the evening star, 

Love's harbinger, appeared ; then all in heat 

They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke 590 

Hymen, then first to marriage-rites invoked : 

With feast and music all the tents resound. 

Such happy interview and fair event 

Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, flowers, 

And charming symphonies, attached the heart 695 

Of Adam, soon inclined to admit delight. 

The bent of nature ; which he thus expressed : 

" True opener of mine eyes, prime angel blest 1 
Much better seems this vision, and more hope 
Of peaceful days portends, than those two past ; 600 
Those were of hate and death, or pain much worse ; 
Here nature seems fulfilled in all her ends." 

To whom thus Michael : " Judge not what is best 
By pleasure, though to nature seeming meet, 
Created, as thou art, to nobler end, 605 

Holy and pure, conformity divine. 
Those tents thou saw'st so pleasant were the tenta 
Of wickedness, wherein shall dwell his race 
Who slew his brother ; studious they appear 
Of arts that polish life inventors rare ; 610 

688. treaty talk ; discourse. 593. event, consequence. 

591 Hymen, the god of mar- 595. attached, seized upon. 
nage. G07. Those tents. See line 557 



352 PARADISE LOST. [Book XI. 

Unmindful of their Maker, tlioiigli his Spirit 

Taught them, but they his gifts acknowledged none. 

Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget ; 

For that fair female troop thou saw'st, that seemed 

Of goddesses, so blithe, so smooth, so gay, 6M 

Yet empty of all good wherein consists 

Woman's domestic honor and chief praise, 

Bred only and completed to the taste 

Of lustful appetence, to sing, to dance. 

To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye ; — 620 

To these, that sober race of men, whose lives 

Religious titled them the sons of God, 

Shall yield up all their virtue, all their fame, 

Ignobly, to the trains and to the smiles 

Of these fair atheists, and now swim in joy, Q2b 

Ere long to swim at large ; and laugh, for which 

The world ere long a world of teai*s must weep." 

To whom thus Adam, of short joy bereft : 
" O pity and shame, that they who to live well 
Entered so fair should turn aside to tread 630 

Paths indirect, or in the midway faint ! 
But still I see the tenor of man's woe 
Holds on the same, from woman to begin.'* 

" From man's effeminate slackness it begins," 
Said the angel, " who should better hold his place 
By wisdom and superior gifts received. 636 

But now prepare thee for another scene." 

He looked, and saw wide territory spread 
Before him, towns, and rural works betweep, 
Cities of men with lofty gates and towers, 64t 

614-620 This is an incomplete 624. trains, wiles ; artifices, 
sentence ; these in line 621 refers 626. at large, au allusion to tht 
to fair female troop. deluge. 

620 troll, to roll ; to move vol- 
ubly. 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 358 

Concoui*se In arms, fierce faces threatening war, 

Giants of mighty bone and bohl emprise ; 

Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed, 

Single or in array of battle ranged, 

Both horse and foot, nor I<lly mustering stood ; (Jia 

One way a band select from forage drives 

A herd of beeves, fair oxen and fair kine, 

From a fat meadow-ground, or fleecy flock, 

Ewes and their bleating lambs over the ])kiin, 

Their booty ; scarce with life the shepherds lly, 650 

But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray. 

With cruel tournament the squadrons join ; 

Where cattle pastured late, now scattered lies 

With carcasses and arms the ensanguined field 

Deserted : others to a city strong 655 

Lay siege, encamped, by battery, scale, and mine 

Assaulting ; others from the wall defend 

With dart and javelin, stones, and sulphurous fire ; 

On each hand slaughter and gigantic deeds. 

In other parts the sceptred heralds call 60) 

To council in the city gates ; anon 

Gray-headed men and grave, with warriors mixed. 

Assemble, and harangues are heard, but soon 

In factious opposition ; till at last 

Of middle age one rising, eminent 665 

In wise deport, spake much of right and wrong, 

Of justice, of religion, truth and peace, 

And judgment from above : him old and young 

Exploded, and had seized with violent hands 

Had not a cloud descending snatched him thence 670 

642. Giants. "There were 666. rff/Jor^, deportment ; bear- 
giants in the earth in those \ng. — spake murk. See Jude, 
days." Genesi.'i vi, 4. — emprise, ver.*es 14-16. 
»iit€rprise. 669. Exploded, hi.-J.sed oDF, as it 

646. from, returning from. were ; rudely refused to hear. 

664. ensnngiiintd, made bloody See X. 546. 

656. scale, scaUug with lad- 670. " And Enoch walked with 
ders. God, and he was not, for God 

665. one, Enoch. took him." Gene.-iis r. 24. 

23 



554 PARADISE LOST. [Book XI 

Unseen amid the throng ; so violence 

Proceeded, and oppression and sword-law, 

Through all the plain, and refuge none was found. 

Adam was all in tears, and to his guide 

Lamenting turned full sad : " O what are these I 675 

Death's ministers, not men, who thus deal death 

Inhumanly to men, and multiply 

Ten thousand-fold the sin of him who slew 

His brother ; for of whom such massacre 

Make they but of their brethren, men of men ? 630 

But who was that just man, whom had not Heaven 

Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost ? " 

To whom thus Michael : " These are the product 
Of those ill-mated marriages thou saw'st, 
Where good with bad were matched, who of them- 
selves 686 
Abhor to join, and by imprudence mixed 
Produce prodigious births of body or mind. 
Such were these giants, men of high renown, 
For in those da^^s might only shall be admired 
And valor and heroic virtue called : 690 
To overcome in battle, and subdue 
Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite 
Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch 
Of human glory, and for glory done 
Of triumph to be styled great conquerors, ©5 
Patrons of mankind, gods, and sons of gods ; 
Destroyers rightlier called, and plagues of men. 

671-673. See Genesis ri. 5. 694. and for glory done, oftri- 

676. ministers, servants. umpli. This difficult passage has 

681. lohom had not Heaven res- been variously explained. It may 

ewe:/, who if Heaven had not be thus rendered, a/u/ io ^e.'s^t/^ed 

rescued him. great cone uerors, patrons of man- 

687. prodigious, monstrous. kind, go( s, and sons of gods, oq 

688. meji of high renoum. account of glorious deeds per 
'•' The same became mighty men formed, shall be held the highesf 
which were of old, men of re- pitch (line 693) of triumph, 
nown." Genesis vi. 4. 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 355 

Tiius fame shall be acliievecl, renown on earth, 

And what most merits fame in silence hid. 

But he, the seventh from thee, whom thou beheld'st 

The only righteous in a world perverse 701 

And therefore hated, therefore so beset 

With foes, for daring single to be just. 

And utter odious truth, that God would come 

To judge them with his saints ; — him the ]\Iost 

High, 
Rapt in a balmy cloud, with winged steeds, 706 

Did, as thou saw'st, receive, to walk with God 
High in salvation and the climes of bliss. 
Exempt from death ; to show thee Avhat reward 
Awaits the good, the rest Avhat punishment ; 710 

Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold." 

He looked, and saw the face of things quite 
changed : 
The brazen t-hroat of war had ceased to roar ; 
All now was turned to jollity and game, 
To luxury and riot, feast and dance, 71b 

Marrying or prostituting, as befell. 
Rape or adultery, where passing fair 
Allured them ; thence from cups to civil broils. 
At length a reverend sire among them came 
And of their doings great dislike declared, 720 

And testified against their ways ; he oft 
Frequented their assemblies, whereso met, 

703. 5/nf?^, singly ; alone. and took them a-way." Matthew 

704. the odious truth, the trwth xxiv. 38, 39. 

!l»teful to them. 716. as ^efell, as it might 

711. Which is the object of chance. 

behold. 717. passing seems to mean 

714. "In the days tha* were surpassingly, 

before the flood, they were eat- 718. cups, drinTving. — civil 

big and drinking, marrying and broils, intestine quarrels, 

giving in marriage, until the day 719. See Genesis vi. 9. 

Chat Noe entered the ark ; and 722. whereso, wheresoevei 
Knew not, until the flood came 



550 PARADISE LOST. ^ {.Book XL 

rriumphs or festivals, and to them preaclied 

Conversion and repentance, as to souls 

In prison under judgments imminent, rJB 

But all in vain ; which Avhen he saw, he ceased 

Contending, and removed his tents far off. • 

Then from the mountain hewing timber tall 

Began to build a vessel of huge bulk, 729 

Measured by cubit, length and breadth and height, 

Smeared round with pitch, and in the side a door 

Contrived, and of provisions laid in large 

For man and beast : when lo, a wonder strange ! 

Of every beast, and bird, and insect small 734 

Came sevens and pairs, and entered in, as taught 

Their order ; last the sire and his three sons, 

With their four wives ; and God made fast the door. 

Meanwhile the south wind rose, and, with black 

wings 
Wide hovering, all the clouds together drove 
From under heaven ; the hills to their supply 740 

Yapor and exhalation dusk and moist 
Sent up amain ; and now the thickened sky 
Like a dark ceiling stood ; down rushed the rain 
Impetuous, and continued till the earth 
No more was seen : the floating vessel swum 745 

Uplifted, and secure with beaked prow 
Rode tilting o'er the waves ; all dwellings else 
Flood overwhelmed, and them with all their pomp 
Deep under water rolled ; sea covered sea, 
Sea without shore ; and in their palaces, 760 

Where luxury late reigned, sea-monsters whelped 
And stabled ; of mankind, so numerous late, 

723. preached. See 2 Peter ii. 5. 745. swum. " The ark went 

725. In jirison. " The spirits upon the face of the waters." 

to prison." 1 Peter iii. 19. Genesis vii. 18. 

728-753. See Genesis vl. and 746. beaker/, sharp-pointed ; !»> 

I^i. senibling a beak. 

732. large, large store ; largely. 747. all dwellings else, all othflf 

740. their, of the clouds. dwellings. 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 357 

All left in one small bottom swum imbarked. 

Flow (liil'st thou grieve then, Adam, to behold 

The end of all thy ofTspring, end so sad, 755 

Depopulation ! thee another flood, 

Of teai-s and sorrow a flood, thee also drowned, 

And sunk thee as thy sons ; till gently reared 

By the angel, on thy feet thou stood'st at last, 

Though comfortless, as when a father mourns 76^ 

His children, all in view destroyed at once ; 

And scarce to the angel utteredst thus thy plaint : 

, " O visions ill foreseen ! better had I 
Lived ignorant of future, so had borne 
My part of evil only, each day's lot 765 

Enough to bear ; those now, that were dispensed 
The burden of many ages, on me light 
At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth 
Abortive, to torment me ere their being 
With thought that they must be. Let no man seek 
Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall 771 

Him or his children ; evil he may be sure, 
Which neither his foreknowing can prevent, 
And he the future evil shall no less 
In apprehension than in substance feel 775 

Grievous to bear : but that care now is past, 
Man is not whom to warn ; those few escaped 
Famine and anguish will at last consume, 
Wandering that watery desert. I had hope, 
When violence was ceased and war on earth, 730 

All would have then gone well, peace would have 
crowned 

753. ^/He/^, all that were left. 774. Ami — no less is equiva 

-t>o«o?73, vessel. lent f nor — 'ess. 

76S. Enough. " Suffirieno un- 777. Man is not iv/io?}! to warn, 

to the day is the evil thereof." no man exists \v!jo can be warned, 

alatthew vi. 34. — t/iose, those 779. WanUerin){, wandering 

evils. — dispensed, dealt out by over, 
portions as. 



358 PARADISE LOST. [Book XI, 

With length of happy clays the race of man : 

But I was far deceived ; for now I see 

Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste. 

How comes it thus ? unfold, celestial guide, 781 

And whether here the race of man will end." 

To whom thus Michael : " Those, whom last thou 
saw'st 
In triumph and luxurious Avealth, are they 
First seen in acts of prowess eminent 
And great exploits, but of true virtue void ; 790 

Who having spilt much blood and done much waste • 
Subduing nations, and achieved thereby 
Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey, 
Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and sloth, 
Surfeit, and lust, till wantonness and pride 795 

Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace. 
The conquered also and enslaved by war 
Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose 
And fear of God, from whom their piety feigned 
In sharp contest of battle found no aid 800 

Against invaders ; therefore cooled in zeal 
Thenceforth shall practise how to live secure, 
Worldly or dissolute, on what their lords 
Sliall leave them to enjoy ; for the earth shall bear 
More than enough, that temperance may be tried. 
So all shall turn degenerate, all depraved, 808 

Justice and temperance, truth and faith forgot; 
One man except, the only son of light 
In a dark age, against example good. 
Against allurement, custom, and a world 810 

784. That peace corrupts no suhjoct of this verb, see line 
less than war wastes. 7ii7. 

785. vnfol/J, explain ; declare . 808. except, excepted. 

tow it comes to be tlius. 809. against evcnviple good, 

789. First, previously. good notwithstanding the ^x- 

796. in peace, in time of peace, ample of evil about him. See 

802. shall practise. For the V. 900-902 



BookXI-I paradise lost. 259 

Offended ; fearless of reproach and scorn, 

Or violence, he of their Avickcd ways 

Shall them admonish, and before them set 

The paths of righteousness how much more safe 

And full of peace, denouncing wrath to come 616 

On their impenitence ; and shall return 

Of them derided, but of God observed 

The one just man alive ; by his command 

Shall build a wondrous ark, as thou beheld'st, 

To save himself and household from amidst 820 

A Avorld devote to universal Avrack. 

No sooner he, witli them of man and beast 

Select for life, shall in the ark be lodged 

And sheltered round, but all the cataracts 

Of heaven set open on the earth shall pour 825 

Rain day and night ; all fountains of the deep 

Broke up shall heave the ocean to usurp 

Beyond all bounds, till inundation rise 

Above the highest hills : then shall this mount 

Of Paradise by might of waves be moved 830 

Oat of his place, pushed by the horned flood, 

With all his verdure spoiled and trees adrift, 

Down the great river to the opening gulf, 

And there take root an island salt and bare, 

The haunt of seals, and ores, and sea-mews' clang : 

To teach thee that God attributes to place 836 

815. full of peace. " All her Scriptures. The poet seems also 

paths are peace." Proverbs iii. to have had in mind the common 

l7. meaning of the word. 

817. P/; by. 82(3. all fountains. "All the 

818. just. " Noah was a just fountains of the great deep." 
man." Genesis vi. 9. Genesis vii. 11. 

821. devote., devoted; given 831. his^ its. — horned. This 

up. — u'mcA;, wreck. epithet was applied by the an- 

_ 823. Select for life, chosen to cients to rivers. Virgil gives the 

live. rushing Po the head and homa 

824. cataracts, in Genesis vii. of a bull. 

II, windows. The former word 835. ores, animnls of the cota 

(cataracts) is a translation from ceous or whale ordsr; gram 

the Greek, the latter (windows) puses. — clang. See VIJ". i22 
ti<.m the Hebrew version of the 



5 00 PA RA DISK L OS T, [Book XI 

^o sanctity, if none be tliitlicr brought 

3y men who there frequent, or therein dwell. 

A.nd now what further shcill ensue, behold." 

He looked, and saw the ark hull on the flood, 84C 
Which now abated ; for the clouds were fled, 
Driven by a keen north wind, that blowing dry 
Wrinkled the face of deluge, as decayed ; 
And the clear sun on his wide watery glass 
Gazed hot, and of the fresh wave largely drew 845 
As after thirst, which made their flowing shrink 
From standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole 
With soft foot towards the deep, who now had 

stopped 
His sluices, as the heaven his windows shut. 840 

The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground, 
Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed. 
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear ; 
With clamor thence the rapid currents drive 
Towards the retreating sea their furious tide. 
Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies, 865 

And after him, the surer messenger, 
A dove, sent forth once and again to spy 
Green tree or ground whereon his foot may light ; 
The second time returning in his bill 
An olive-leaf he brings, pacific sign. 860 

Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark 
The ancient sire descends with all his train ; 
Then with uplifted hands and eyes devout. 
Grateful to Heaven, over his head beholds 
A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow, 865 

838. there frequent, thither re- 849. shut, had shut, 

sort or throng. 8G0. pacific sign, emblem of 

840-8G7. See Genesis viii. peace. 

840. Am//, lioat as ahull. 865. a bow. "I do set mj 

843. as f/ecaije/f, as if dwnyeci. bow in the cloud.'' See Qeaesis 

844. his. its, referring to /ace. ix. 12-16. 
846. their, of the wave or 

'vavcs. 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST .861 

Conspicuous with three listed colors gay, 
Betokening peace from God and covenant new. 
Whereat the heart of Adam, erst so sad, 
Greatly rejoiced, and thus his joy broke forth : 

" O thou who future things canst represent 870 

As present, heavenly instructor, I revive 
At this last sight, assured that man shall live 
With all the creatures, and their seed preserve. 
Far less I now lament for one whole world 
Of wicked sons destroyed, than I rejoice 876 

For one man found so perfect and so just, 
That God vouchsafes to raise another world 
From him, and all his anger to forget. 
But say, wdiat mean those colored streaks in heaven, 
Distended as the brow of God appeased ? 880 

Or serve they as a flowery verge to bind 
The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud. 
Lest it again dissolve and shower the earth ? ** 

To whom the Archangel : " Dextrously thou 
alm'st ; 
So willingly doth God remit his ire, 885 

Though late repenting him of man depraved. 
Grieved at his heart when looking down he saw 
The whole earth filled with violence, and all flesh 
Corrupting each their way ; yet, those removed, 
Such grace shall one just man find in his sight, 890 
That he relents not to blot out mankind, 

866. three, red, yellow, blue. 887. Grieved. "And it re- 

— listed, \nsiv\\)es. pented the Lord that he had 

880. Distended, spread. — 05, made man on the earth, and it 
as it were ; like. grieved liim at his heart." Gen- 

881. serve they, ?Gwe they only, esis vi. 6. 

884. DexteroKsly thou aimest, 889. removed, having been re- 

rightly thou dost guess. moved. 

886. repentin'^ him of. repent- 891. relents not to blot, gives uj 

ing that he liad made— ^ dfjrraced, his purpose of blottiug 
DOW fallen from innocence. 



362- PARADISE LOST. [Book XL 

And makes a covenant never to destro)' 
The earth again by flood, nor let the sea 
Surpass his bounds, nor rain to drown the world 
With man therein or beast ; but when he brings 
Over the earth a cloud, will therein set 896 

His triple-colored bow, whereon to look, 
And call to mind his covenant : day and night, 
Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary frost, 899 

Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things new, 
Both heaven and earth, wherein the just shall dwell." 

892. a covenant. See Genesis and svimmer and winter, and day 
Ix. 8-17. and night, shall not cease." Gen- 

893. let, to let. esis viii. '^2. 

894. nor, nor let. 900. till fire purge all things. 

897. lohereon to look, on which See 2 Peter iii. 12, 13. — new, to 
he may look. See Genesis ix. 16. make them new ; " new heaveiu 

898. day and night. " While and a new earth, wherein dw«U- 
the earth remaioeth, seed-time eth righteousness." 

EjQci harvest, and cold and heat. 



BotMcXn.l PARADISE LOST, 363 



BOOK xn. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Thb angel Michael continues from the flood to relate what shall 
succeed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees 
to explain who that seed of the woman shaU be which was prom- 
ised Adam and Eve in the fall. Uis incarnation, death, resur- 
rection, and ascension ; the state of the church till his second 
coming. Adam, greatly satisfied and recomforted by these rela- 
tions and promises, ascends the hill with Michael ; wakens Eve, 
who all this while had slept, but with gentle dreams composed to 
quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand leads 
them out of Paradise, the fiery sword waving behind them, and 
the Cherubim taking their stations to guard the place. 

As one who in his journey baits at noon, 

Though bent on speed, so here the Archangel paused 

BetAvixt the world destroyed and world restored, 

If Adam aught perhaps might interpose ; 

Then with transition SAveet new speech resumes : 5 

" Thus thou hast seen one world begin and end ; 
And man as from a second stock proceed. 
Much thou hast yet to see, but I perceive 
Thy mortal sight to foil ; objects divine 
Must Heeds impair and weary human sense. M 

Henceforth what is to come I will relate ; 
Thou therefore give due audience, and attend. 

" This second source of men, while yet but few, 
And while the dread of judgment past remains 
1. haiiiy rests for refreshment. 12. audience, hearing. 



364 PARADISE LOST. [Book Xtt 

Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, 15 

With some regard to what is just and right 

Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace, 

Laboring the soil and reaping plenteous crop, 

Corn, wine, and oil ; and from the herd or flook 

Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid, 20 

With large wine-offerings poured and sacred feast, 

Shall spend their days in joy unblamed, and dwell 

Long time in peace, by fomilles and tribes, 

Under paternal rule : till one shall rise 

Of proud ambitious heart, who, not content SB 

With fair equality, fraternal state, 

Will arrogate dominion undeserved 

Over his brethren, and quite dispossess 

Concord and law of nature from the earth ; 

Hunting (and men, not beasts, shall be his game) 80 

With war and hostile snare such as refuse 

Subjection to his empire tyrannous. 

A mighty hunter thence he shall be styled 

Before the Lord, as in despite of Heaven, 

Or from Heaven claiming second sovran ty ; ffi 

And from rebellion shall derive his name. 

Though of rebellion others he accuse. 

He, with a crew whom like ambition joins 

With him or under him to tyrannize, 

Marching from Eden towards the Avest, shall find 40 

The plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge 

Boils out from under ground, the mouth of Hell : 

IS. Laboring^ tilling ; culti- 36. name, Nimrod, translated 

vating. by some, rebel, 

24. one, Nimrod. '*IIe beg.an 41. Tht plain. "And the be- 
to be a mighty one in the earth." ginning of liis kingdom was Ba- 
Genesis X. S. bel, — in the land of Shiuar.' 

27. undeserved, not gained by "And it came to pass, as they 

right or merit. journeyed from the cast, that 

30. Hunting. " He was a they found a phiin in the laud of 

mighty hunter before the Lord." Shiuar ; aud they dwelt there.' 

Genesis x. 9. Genesis x. 10 and xi. 2. — h/ack 

3i. a.s, as if. bituminous gurge. In the Baby 



Book XII.] PARADISE LOST. 365 

Of brick and of that stuff they cast to build 

A city and tower whose top may reach to Heaven, 

And get themselves a name, lest far dispersed 46 

In foreign lands their memory be lost, 

Regardless whether good or evil fame. 

But God, who oft descends to visit men 

Unseen and through their habitations walks 

To mark their doings, them beholding soon 50 

Comes down to see their city, ere the tower 

Obstruct Heaven-towers, and in derision sets 

Upon their tongues a various spirit, to rase 

Quite out their native language, and instead 

To sow a jangling noise of words unknown. 66 

Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud 

Among the builders ; each to other calls 

Not understood, till hoarse and all in rage 

As mocked they storm : great laughter was in 

Heaven 
And looking down, to see the hubbub strange 60 

And hear the din ; thus was the building left 
Ridiculous, and the work Confusion named." 

Whereto thus Adam fatherly displeased • 
" execrable son, so to aspire 



Ionian plain, " plain of Shinar," 52. in derision. " He that sil- 
are still found wells of naphtha teth in the heavens shall laugh; 
or bitumen. In the neighbor- the Lord shall have them in de- 
hood of Babylon (Babel) was an rision." Psalm ii. 4. 
Inexhaustible supply of clay, of 53. rase, blot. See II. 923. 
which were made the bricks, 59. As mocked they storm, t\iey 
that, together with the bitumen, are fierce %nth passion, thinking 
formed the walls of the city, themselves mocked, 
whose remains may still be seen 60. looking doicn, great look- 
on the banks of the Euphrates ing down. 

—gurge means whirlpool ; gulf 62. Ridicidojis, fit for langhtei 

43. Of brick. See Genesis xi. or scorn — Confusion. See Gene- 

3, 4. — that stuff, slime or bitu- sis xi. 9. 

aien. This was used in the walls 63. fatherhj, as the father of 

•>f Babylon as mortar or cement, the race. 

cast, plan ; devise. 64 exeirable son. See linei 

See Genesis xi. 5-9. 24r-37. 



566 PARADISE LOST. [Book XJI 

Above his brethren, to himself assuming 61 

Authority usurped, from God not given : 

He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl, 

Dominion absolute ; that right we hold 

By his donation ; but man over men 

He made not lord ; such title to himself 70 

Reserving, human left from human free. 

But this usurper his encroachment proud 

Stays not on man ; to God his tower Intends 

Siege and defiance. Wretched man ! what food 

Will he convey up thither to sustain 76 

Himself and his rash army, where thin air 

Above the clouds will pine his entrails gross, 

And famish him of breath, If not of bread ? " 

To whom thus "Michael : " Justly thou abhorr'st 
Tliat son, who on the quiet state of men . 80 

Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue 
Rational liberty ; yet know withal, 
Since thy original lapse true liberty 
Is lost, which always with right reason dwells 
Twinned, and from her hath no dividual being. 86 

Reason In man obscured or not obeyed. 
Immediately Inordinate desires 
And upstart passions catch the government 
From reason, and to servitude reduce 
Man till then free. Therefore since he permits 90 
Within himself unworthy powers to reign 
Over free reason, God in judgment just 
Subjects him fi^om Avithout to violent lords. 
Who oft as undeservedly enthrall 



71. human left from human 85. Twinned^ as a twin. — 

free, left men free from man's rftr/V/KnZ, separate. See VII. 382. 

tomiaion. 86. obscured, being or having 

77. pme, wear out; waste away, been obscured. 

81. affecting, aiming. 88. catch, snatch away. 

83. lapse., fall. 94. undeservedly. See line 27 



Book XH.] PARADISE LUST. 867 

His outward freedom : tyranny must be, Ofi 

Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse. 

Yet sometimes nations will decline so low 

From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong, 

But justice, and some fatal curse annexed. 

Deprives them of their outward liberty, 100 

Their inAvard lost : witness the irreverent son 

Of him Avho built the ark, who for the shame 

Done to his father heard his heavy curse, 

Servant of servants, on his vicious race. 

Thus will this latter as the former world 106 

Still tend from bad to worse, till God at last, 

Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw 

His presence from among them, and avert 

His holy eyes ; resolving from thenceforth 

To leave them to their own polluted ways, lio 

And one peculiar nation to select 

From all the rest of whom to be invoked, 

A nation from one faithful man to spring : 

Him on this side Euphrates yet residing. 

Bred up in idol-worship, — O that men 115 

(Canst thou believe ?) should be so stupid grown. 

While yet the patriarch lived who scaped the flood, 

As to forsake the living God, and fall 

To worship their own work in Avood and stone 

For gods ! — yet him God the Most High vouchsafes 

To call by vision from his father's house, 121 

His kindred and false gods, into a land 

95. must he. "Woe unto the 113. one faithful ma;t, Abram 
world because of offences! for or Abraham. 
It must needs be that offences 114. tliis side Euphrates^ th« 
come; but woe to that man by eastern side, on which was Eden, 
whom the offence cometh " ! 115. '.iol-icorship. Your fa- 
Matthew xviii. 7. See IV. 393, thers dwelt on the other side of 
894. the flood in old time, even Te- 

101. inward lost, inward lib- rah, tlie father of Abraham 

rty being lost. See .lohn viii. and the father of Naclior ; and 

51-^G. — the irreverent son. See they served other gods." Joshua 

♦Genesis ix 20-27- xxiv. 2. 

il2 q/, by 121-127. See Genesis xii. 1-^ 



368 PARADISE LOST. [Book XU 

Which he will show him, and from him will raise 

A mighty nation, and upon him shower 

His benediction so, that in his seed 125 

All nations shall be blest : he straight obeysj 

Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes. 

I sec him, but thou canst not, with what faith 

He leaves his goJs, his friends, and native soil, 

Ur of Chaldasa, passing now the ford 13c 

To Haran, after him a cumbrous train 

Of herds and flocks, and numerous servitude ; 

Not wandering poor, but trusting all his wealth 

With God who called him, in a land unknown. 

Canaan he now attains ; I see his tents 135 

Pitched about Sechcm, and the neighboring plain 

Of Moreh ; there by promise he receives 

Gift to his progeny of all that land, 

From Hamath northward to the desert south 139 

(Things by their names I call, though yet unnamed), 

From Hermon east to the great western sea ; 

Mount Hermon, yonder sea, each place behold 

In prospect, as I point them ; on the shore 

Mount Carmel ; here the double-founted stream 



126. straight. See I. 531. 136. Sechem, Sichem, called in 

127. Not knoioing. •' He went the New Testament (John iv. 5) 
out, not knowing whither he Sychar. 

went." Hebrews xi. 8. 137. Moreh. See Genesis xii. 6. 

130. Ur of CkaldfKa. See Gen- This plain was about midway 
esis xi. 31. Ur was a city in the between the river and the sea. — 
north of Mesopotamia, a district there by promise. See Genesis 
between the rivers Euphrates and xii. 7. 

Tigris. 139. Hamath was north of 

131. Haran., or Charran, was Damascus. — northward., on the 
also ia Mesopotamia. north 

132. servitude.., body of ser- 141. i7erw?on was on the north- 
vants or slaves. east of Canaan, near the source 

135. Canaan. " They went of the Jordan, 

forth to go into the land of 143. 07i the .<<hore of yonder sea 

Canaan, and into the land of the Mediterranean. 

Canaan they came." Genesis xii. 144. double - founted, havioi 

5. This land lay between the river two sources or fountains. 
Jordan on the east and the great 
we.Uern (Mediterranean) sea on 
the west. 



Book XII.] PARADISE LOST. 369 

Jordan, true limit eastward ; but his sons 14B 

Shall dwell to Senir, that long ridge of hills. 

This ponder, that all nations of the earth 

Shall in his seed be blessed ; by that seed 

Is meant thy great Deliverer, who shall bruise 

The serpent's head ; Avhereof to thee anon 150 

Plainlier shall be revealed. This patriarch blest, 

Whom faithful Abraham due time shall call, 

A son, and of his son a grandchild, leaves, 

Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown. 

The grandchild with twelve sons increased departs 

From Canaan to a land hereafter called 156 

Egypt, divided by the river Nile ; 

See where it flows, disgorging at seven mouths 

Into the sea. To sojourn in that land 

He comes, invited by a younger son 160 

In time of dearth ; a son whose worthy deeds 

Raise him to be the second in that realm 

Of Pharaoh : there he dies, and leaves his race 

Growing into a nation, and now grown 

Suspected to a sequent king, who seeks 165 

To stop their overgrowth as inmate guests 

Too numerous ; whence of guests he makes them 

slaves 
Inhospitably, and kills their infant males : 

145. true limit eastward, the 15.3. A sort, Isaac — a grand- 
real boundary on the east. child, .Jacob. 

146. Senir is properly Mount 153-163. See Genesis xxxvii. | 
Elermon (see Deuteronomy iii. 9), and xxxix.-l. 

though Milton seems here to use 158. seven months. The Nile 

It as the name of a different formerly entered the sea by seyen 

range. mouths ; the number is now re- 

147. r/ii5;7onc/er, consider this, duced to tvo. 

149 tvko shall bruise. See Gen- 162. the second. See Genesis 

esis iii. 15. xli. 38-43. 

152. Ahranam. " Neither shall 165. sequent, succeeding; fol- 

thy name any more be called lowing. "Now there aro.se up 

Abram ; but thy name shall be a new king over Egypt, which 

Abraham ; for » father of many knew not Joseph." Exodus i. 8 

oatious have I made thee." Gen- 166. as, as being, 
esis xvii. 5. 

24 



370 PARADISE LOST. [Book Xlt 

Till by two brethren (those tAvo brethren call 

Moses and Aaron) sent from God to claim 170 

His people from enthralment, tliey return 

With glory and spoil back to their promised laud. 

But first the lawless tyrant, who denies 

To know their God or message to regard, 

Must be compelled by signs and judgments dire ; 175 

To blood unshed the rivers must be turned ; 

Frogs, lice, and flies, must all his palace fill 

With loathed intrusion, and fill all the land ; 

His cattle must of rot and murrain die ; 

Blotches and blains must all his flesh emboss, 180 

And all his people ; thunder mixed with hail, 

Hail mixed with fire, must rend the Egyptian sky, 

And wheel on the earth, devouring where it rolls ; 

What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain, 

A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down 185 

Must eat, and on the ground leave notliing green ; 

Darkness must overshadow all his bounds, 

Palpable darkness, and blot out three days ; 

Last with one midnight stroke all the first born 

Of Egypt must lie dead. Thus with ten wounds 

The river-dragon tamed at length submits 191 

To let his sojourners depart, and oft 

Humbles his stubborn heart, but still as ice 

More hardened after thaw, till in his rage 

Pursuing whom he late dismissed, the sea 195 

169. hy tioo brethren. See Ei- 188. Palpable^ " which may be 

odus iii.-vi. felt " Exodus x. 21. 

173-190. See Exodus vii.-xii. 190. ten woum's, the ten 

173. denies, refuses. " And plagues. 

Pharaoh said. Who is the Lord, 190-214. See Exodus xiii.-xv. 

that I should obey his voice to 191. The river-dragon. "Pha- 

let Israel go- I know not tbe raoh king of Egypt, the great 

Lord, neither will I let Israel dragon that licth in the midst of 

go." Exodus V. 2. his rivers." Ezekiel xxix. 3. 

180. emboss, cover with swell- 195. i"/io??i, those whom. — the 

ings. sea, thr Red Sea, which lies be- 

\^. wheel rn the earth. "And tween Egypt and the Arabiaa 

the fire ran along upon the Desert, 
ground." Exodus ix. 23. 



flooKXII.] PARADISE LOST. S71 

Swallows liim with his host, but them lets pass 

As on dry land between two crystal walls. 

Awed by the rod of INIoses so to stand 

Divided till his rescued gain their shore : 

Such wondrous power God to his saint will lend, 200 

Though present in his angel, who shall go 

Before them in a cloud and pillar of fire, 

By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire. 

To guide them in their journey, and remove 

Behind them, Avhile the obdurate king pursues. 205 

All night he will pursue, but his approach 

Darkness defends between till morning watch ; 

Then through the fiery pillar and the cloud 

God looking forth will trouble all his host, 

And craze their chariot-wheels : when by command 

Moses once more his potent rod extends 211 

Over the sea ; the sea his rod obeys ; 

On their embattled ranks the waves return, 

And overAvhelm their war. The race elect 

Safe towards Canaan from the shore advance 215 

Through the wild desert, not the readiest way, 

Lest entering on the Canaanite alarmed 

War terrify them inexpert, and fear 

Return them back to Egypt, choosing rather 

Inglorious life with servitude ; for life 22C 

To noble and ignoble is more sweet 

Untrained in arms, where rashness leads not on. 

19C. them, the Israelites, his 214. trar, forces; warlike ar- 

tojoxciners, those who had lately ray. 

dwelt with him. 216. not the readiest icay. The 

199. /ii5 rescwerf people or coun- nearest way to Canaan would 

fciypien. have been in a north-easterly 

201. his angel. See Exodus direction, but the Israelites 

xiv. 19, 20. turned to the south. 

207. defends, forbids. See XI. 217. alarmed, roused ; put on 

B6. — 6c«u;een, the darkness being his guard, 

petween. 218. inexpert, inexperienced ; 

210. craze, break, from the unpractised. 

French " ecraser." 222. Untrained, if they are not 
trained. 



572 PARADISE LOST. fBooR XIL 

This also shall they gain by their delay 

In the wide wilderness, there they shall found 

Their government, and their great senate choose 225 

Through the twelve tribes, to rule by laws ordained. 

God from the mount of Sinai, whose gray top 

Shall tremble, he descending, will himself 

In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpet's sound, 

Ordain them laws ; part, such as appertain 230 

To civil justice ; part, religious rites 

Of sacrifice, informing them by types 

And shadows of that destined Seed to bruise 

The serpent, by Avhat means he shall achieve 

Mankind's deliverance. But the voice of God 235 

To mortal ear is dreadfid : they beseech 

That Moses might report to them his will, 

And terror cease ; he grants what they besought, 

Instructed that to God is no access 

Without mediator, whose high office now 240 

Moses in figure bears, to introduce 

One greater, of whose day he shall foretell, 

And all the prophets in their age the times 

Of great Messiah shall sing. Thus laws and rites 

Established, such delight hath God in men 246 

Obedient to his will, that he vouchsafes 

Among them to set up his tabernacle, 

The Holy One with mortal men to dwell. 



225. their great senate. " And 230. laios. These laws, com- 

Moses chose able men out of all monly called The Law, or the Mo. 

Israel, and made them heads sale Law, are found in the books 

over the people, rulers of thou- of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, 

Bands, rulers of hundreds, rulers and Deuteronomy. 

of fifties, and rulers of tens. 233. that destined Seed. See 

And they judged the people at all Genesis iii. 15. 

seasons ; the hard causes they 236. they beseech. See Exodua 

brought unto Moses, but every xx. 18-21. 

email matter they judged them- 242. of whose day he shall fore' 

lelves." See Exodus xviii. tell. See Deuteronomy xviii. !&• 

227. Sinai. See I. 7. 19. 

228. he descending. See Exo- 245-256. See Exodus xxf. 
loB xix. xxvii. 



Book XII.] i^ARADISE LOST. 378 

By his prescript a sanctuary is framed 

Of cedar, overlaid with gold; therein 2BI 

An ark, and in the ark his testimony, 

The records of his covenant ; over these 

A mercy-seat of gold between the wings 

Of two bright cherubim ; before him burn 

Seven lamps, as in a zodiac representing 26S 

The heavenly fires ; over the tent a cloud 

Shall rest by day, a fiery gleam by night, 

Save when they journey, and at length they come, 

Conducted by his angel, to the land 

Promised to Abraham and his seed. The rest 260 

Were long to tell, how many battles fought, 

How many kings destroyed and kingdoms won, 

Or how the sun shall in mid-heaven stand still 

A day entire, and night's due course adjourn, 

Man's voice commanding, ' Sun in Gibeon stand, 265 

And thou, moon, in the vale of Aialon, 

Till Israel overcome ; ' so call the third 

From Abraham, son of Isaac, and from him 

His whole descent, who thus shall Canaan win." 

Here Adam interposed : " O sent from Heaven, 273 
Enlightener of my darkness ! gracious things 
Thou hast revealed, those chiefiy which concern 
Just Abraham and his seed : now fii-st I find 
Mine eyes true opening, and my heart much eased, 
Erewhile perplexed with thoughts what would be- 
come 

249. prescript, direction. 261. Were^ would be. 

256. The heavenly _/i.res, the 2*33 stand still. See Joshua x. 

sun, moon, and five planets. — 12,13. 

over the tent. See Exodus xl. 267. so call the third. The name 

34-38. Israel was given to Jacob, the 

259. /i»sa«o-W. " Behold, I. send grandson ot Abraham. See Gen - 

an angel before thee." See Kxo- esis xxxii. 24-28. 

dua xxiii. 20-23. 275. ivhat, as to or concerning 

2r>i)-2'j9. See the Book of what. 
JOBhua. 



574 PARADISE LOST. [Book XII. 

Of me and all mankind ; but now I see 876 

His da J, in whom all nations shall be blessed, 

Favor unmerited by me, who sought 

Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means. 

Yet this I apprehend not, why to those 380 

Among whom God will deimi to dwell on earth 

So many and so various laws are given ; 

So many laws argue so many sins 

Among them ; how can God with such reside ? " 284 

To whom thus Michael : " Doubt not but that sin 
Will reign among them, as of thee begot ; 
And therefore was law given them, to evince 
Their natural pravity, by stirring up 
Sin against law to fight ; that when they see 
Law can discover sin but not remove, 290 

Save by those shadowy expiation^ weak, 
The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude 
Some blood more precious must be paid for man, 
Just for unjust, that in such righteousness, 
To them by faith imputed, they may find 295 

Justification towards God, and peace 
Of conscience, which the law by ceremonies 
Cannot appease, nor man the moral part 
Perform, and not performing cannot live. 
So law appears imperfect, and but given 300 

With purpose to resign them in full time 

277. His day. "Your father the just for the unjust, that he 

Abraham rejoiced to see my day ; might bring us to God." 1 Peter 

»nd he saw it, and was glad." iii. 18. 

John viii. 56. 295. imputed. See Romans iv. 

288. pravity, depravity. 22-25. 

290. See Romans vii. 5-24. 293. peace. " Therefore, be* 

A%\. shadowy expiations. "The ing justified by faith, we hare 

law having a shadow of good peace with God, through our 

things to lome." Hebrews x. 1. Lord Jesus Christ." Romana 

292. The blood of bulls and y. 1. 

joats. See Hebrews ix. 11-14. 300. imperfect. See Romaas 

294. Just f 01 unjust. "Christ viii. 3, 4. 
»lfiO hath oncc sulfered for sins, 



Book XII.] PARADISE LOST. 375 

Up to a better covenant, disciplineJ 

From shadowy types to truth, from flesh to spirit, 

From imposition of strict laws to free 

Acceptance of hirge grace, from servile fear 306 

To filial, works of law to works of faith. 

And therefore shall not Moses, though of God 

Highly beloved, being but the minister 

Of law, his people into Canaan lead ; 

But Joshua, whom the Gentiles Jesus call, 310 

Ilis name and office bearing who shall quell 

The adversary serpent, and bring back 

Through the worll's wilderness long wandered man 

Safe to eternal Paradise of rest. 

Meanwhile they, in their earthly Canaan placed, 315 

Long time shall dwell and prosper, but when sins 

National interrup* their public peace, 

Provoking God to raise them enemies ; 

From whom as oft he saves thdm penitent, 

By judges first, then under kings ; of whom 320 

The second, both for piety renowned 

And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive 

Irrevocable, that his regal throne 

For ever shall endure ; the like shall sing 

All prophecy, that of the royal stock 325 

Of David (so I name this king) shall rise 

A son, the woman's seed to thee foretold, 

Foretold to Abraham, as in whom shall trust 

All nations, and to kings foretold, of kings 

302. a better covenant. See 315-320. See the Boo^ oj 

^eb^ew8 viii 4-13. — disciplined. Jud^jes. 

•^ Wherefore tUe law wt^s our 316. but. except, 

.choiaster to bring us unto SiO-Si-i See the Books of 

Ckrist7that we might be justj. Samuel, of Kings, and of Lhrou- 

fled by faith." Galatiansiii.2-1- i^l^^- „ o 3o„,»ni 

310. Joshua is iu Hebrew the .322. a promise. See 2 Samue\ 

game as Jesus iu Greek. Both vii- Iti- x • v ■ i 

S)rds mean be tbat shall save, m. the hke. See Isaiah xi. 1. 



gaviour. 



311. Bearing the name and of- li'i« ■^•l'^- 
Uk ot biw wlio sliall 'lueU. 328. as, as 



Jeremiah xxiii. 5. — sing, t^oe 



376 PARADISE LOST. [Book XII. 

The last, for of his reign shall be no end. 830 

But first a long succession must ensue, 

And his next son, for wealth and wisdom famed, 

The clouded ark of God, till then in tents 

Wandering, shall in a glorious temple enshrine. 

Such follow him as shall be registered 836 

Part good, part bad ; of bad the longer scroll, 

Whose foul idolatries and other faults, 

Heaped to the popular sum, will so incense 

God, as to leaA'e them, and expose their land, 

Their city, his temple, and his holy ark, 34k) 

W^ith all his sacred things, a scorn and prey 

To that proud city, whose high walls thou saw'st 

Left in confusion. Babylon thence called. 

There in captivity he lets them dwell 

The space of seventy years, then brings them back, 

Remembering mercy and his covenant sworn 3i6 

To David, stablished as the days of Heaven. 

Returned from Babylon, by leave of kings 

Their lords, whom God disposed, the house of God 

They first re-edify, and for a while 350 

In mean estate live moderate, till, grown 

In wealth and multitude, factious they grow. 

But first among the priests dissension springs, 

330. shall be no end " His do- 337 - 343. See 2 Chrouiclea 

minion is an everlasting domin- xxxvi. 14-21. 

ion, whicli sliall not pass away, 338. Heaped to the popvlar 

and his kingdom that whifh sum, increased so as to involve 

shall not be destroyed. " Daniel the whole people or nation in the 

vii. 14. guilt and its punishment. 

332. his next son, the son who , 337 - 343. See 2 Chroniclea 
succeeded him as king ; Solomon, xxxvi. 14-21. 

who reigned next. 342. thou saivest. See linea 

333. in tents. The Ark of the 38-62. 

Covenant had been i-emoved, with 345. seventy years. See Jer©- 

or without the Tabernacle, from miali xxr. 11. 

place to place, until it was car- 345-350. See the Book of Ezra 

tied with gj-eat solemnity into and the Book of Nehemiah. 

the Temple which Solomon had 349. 7chom God disposed. Se« 

built for its abode. Ezra i. 1, and Nehemiah ii. 1-8. 

335. registered in the Second 350. rf-fc///"//, build again. 

Book of the Chronicles of the 353-356. The history of thi» 

kings of Judah. dissension is found in the .^poo 



Book Xri-l PARADISE LOST. 377 

Men who attend the altar and should most 
Endeavor peace : their strife pollution brings 868 

Upon the temple itself; at last they seize 
The sceptre, and regard not David's sons, 
Then lose it to a stranger, that the true 
Anointed king Messiah might be born 
Barred of his right ; yet at his birth a star, 86(5 

Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come, 
And guides the eastern sages, who inquire 
His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold. 
His place of birth a solemn angel tells 
To simple shepherds keeping watch by night ; 366 

They gladly thither haste, and by" a quire 
Of squadroned angels hear his carol sung : 
A Virgin is his mother, but his sire 
The power of the Most High ; he shall ascend 
The throne hereditary, and bound his reign 37U 

With earth's wide bounds, his glory with the 
heavens." 

He ceEised, discerning Adam with such joy 
Surcharged as had, like grief, been dewed in tears, 
Without the vent of words, which these he breathed ; 

" O prophet of glad tidings, finisher 876 

Of utmost hope ! now clear I understand. 
What oft my steadiest thoughts have searched in 
vain, 



rypha, in the Second Book of the 358. a stranger, Herod the Idu- 

Maccabees. The strife which roaaan, known as llerod the 

brought pollution u/ion the tern- Great. 

pie itself, is described in chaptei'S 3J0. Barrei of, excluded from 

iii.-v. — a star. Sf'c Matthew ii. 

854, 355. " For the priest's lips 335. shepherds. See Luke ii 

should keep knowledge?, and they 8-14. 

shouldseek the lawat hisuiouth ; 3i7. cnro., Christmas song 

for he is the messenger of the sons of joy. 
Lord of hosts." Malachi ii. 7. — 373. duced, dropped as dew 
endeavor^ strive to bring about. 374. Wiihoia, but for. 



378 PARADISE LOST. [Book XII, 

Why our great expectation should be called 
The seed of woman. Virgin Mother, hail ! 
High in the love of Heaven, yet from my loins 880 
Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son 
Of God Most High ; so God with man unites. 
Needs must the serpent now his capital bruise 
Expect with mortal jDain : say where and when 384 
Their fight, what stroke shall bruise the victor's 
heel ? " 

To whom thus Michael : " Dream not of their fight 
As of a duel, or the local wounds 
Of head or heel : not therefore joins the Son 
Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil 
Thy enemy ; nor so is overcome 390 

Satan, whose fall from Heaven, a deadlier bruise, 
Disabled not to give thee thy death's wound ; 
Which he, who comes thy Saviour, shall recure, 
Not by destroying Satan, but his works 
In thee and in thy seed ; nor can this be, 396 

But by fulfilling that which thou didst want, 
Obedience to the law of God, imposed 
On penalty of death, and suffering death, 
The penalty to thy transgression due, 
And due to theirs which out of thine will grow ; 400 
So only can high justice rest appaid. 
The law of God exact he shall fulfil 
Both by obedience and by love, though love 
Alone fulfil the law ; thy punishment 

379-- liall. See the salutatioo of purpose the Son of God was man 

the angel, Luke i. 28. IfesteU, that he might destroy th« 

383. capital, upon the head, works of the devil." \ Johi) 

'♦ It shall bruise thy htad." iii. 8. 
flenesis iii. 15. 398. want^ fail in. 

387. locAil, having a place. 400. theirs, the transgressioo 

392. Disabled not, disabled him of thy seed. 

not; took not from him the 401. o/;//rt(V/, satisfied. 

power. 404. fulfil the law. " Love il 

393. recure, he;il the fulfilling of the law." Bo 
891. his works. " For this wans xiij. 10. 



BookXIL] paradise lost. 379 

He shall endure by coining in the flesh 401 

To a reproachful life and cui-sed death, 

Proclaiming life to all who shall believe 

In his redemption, and that his obedience 

Imputed becomes theirs by faith, his merits 

To save them, not their own, though legal, works. 

For this he shall live hated, be blasphemed, 411 

Seized on by force, judged, and to death condemned 

A shameful and accursed, nailed to the cross 

By his own nation, slain for bringing hfe ; 

But to the cross he nails thy enemies, 416 

The law that is against thee, and the sins 

Of all mankind, with him there crucified. 

Never to hurt them more who rightly trust 

In this his satisfaction : so he dies. 

But soon revives ; death over him no power 420 

Shall long usurp ; ere the third dawning light 

Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise 

Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light. 

Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems ; 

His death for man, as many as offered life 426 

Neglect not, and the benefit embrace 

By foith not void of works. This godlike act 

Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldst have died, 

In sin for ever lost from life ; this act 42& 

Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength, 

408. that, believe that. Hi- 287-297, and Kornans v. ^ 

409. his merits, etc. Perhaps a 19. 

Latinism ; that hLs merits save 420. no power. Death hath 

\,]xQm.. °o "I'^r** aomiuiou over huii. ' 

41o! not their own, ihonsh U- Romuus vl. 9. 

enl. works, not their own works, 421. ere the third ctawmns 

Ihough according to the law. light. See Matthew x.%\v\ 

" Knowing that a man is not jus- 424- ransom. " V, ho jt^vo tim. 

(ifiedb\ the works of the law, but self a lansom for all." 1 limothy 

bv the' faith of Jesus Christ." ii. 6. 

Galntians ii. 16. 425. ns nmny, as many men. — 

415. he nails. "Nailing it to 05 of^reJ life neglect not, au 

iis cross." Colos.Mans ii. 14. neglect not the iife whu-h is of. 

4X9. his satisfaction. hS:' dy\ns fered 

for the sins of mankind. Frc 427. not void of works. 8e« 
James ii. 14-26 



380 PARADISE LOST. [Book XII 

Defeating Sin an 1 '> ':Ub, his two main arms, 

And fix far deejic. . iiis head their stings 

Than temporal deiitL shall bruise the victor's heel, 

Or theirs whom he redeems, a death-like sleep, 

A gentle wafting to immortal life. 43S 

Nor after resurrection shall he stay 

Longer on earth than certain times to appear 

To his disciples, men who in his life 

Still followed him ; to them shall leave in charge 

To teach all nations what of him they learned 44C 

And his salvation, them who shall believe 

Baptizing in the profluent stream, the sign 

Of washing them from guilt of sin to life, 

Pure, and in mind prepared, if so befall, 

For death, like that which the Redeemer died. 448 

All nations they shall teach ; for from that day 

Not only to the sons of Abraham's loins 

Salvation shall be preached, but to the sons 

Of Abraham's faith wherever through the world ; 

So in his seed all nations shall be blessed. 450 

Then to the heaven of heavens he shall ascend 

With victory, triumphing through the air 

Over his foes and thine ; there shall surprise 

The serpent, prince of air, and drag in chains 

Through all his realm, and there confounded leave ; 

Then enter into glory, and resume 456 

His seat at God's right hand, exalted high 

Above all names in Heaven ; and thence shall come, 

When this world's dissolution shall be ripe, 

434. Or theirs, or the heel of A.bo. and there, confounrled leave, 

those. ami there leave him coufounded. 

439. leave in charge. See Mat- 457. exalted hi^k. " WTiere- 

fcheif xxTiii. 18-20. fore God also hath highly ex- 

442. projliient, flowing. alted him, and given him a name 

449. of Abraham's faith. See which is above every name.' 

Romans iv. \Q-li. — whertvtr, Pliilippians ii. 9. 

wherever found. 45U. \Vhen this world shall bt 

454. in c/uiins. See Revelation ripe for dissolution, 
fcx. 1. 2. 



Book XTI.] PARADISE LOST. 381 

With glory and power to judge both quick and 
dead ; 498 

To judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward 
His faithful, and receive them Into bliss, 
Whether in Heaven or Earth, for then the earth 
Shall all be Paradise, fir happier place 
Than this of Eden, and far happier days." 46c 

So spake the Archangel Michael, then paused, 
As at the world's great period ; and our sire, 
Replete with joy and wonder, thus replied : 

" O goodness infinite, goodness immense ! 
That all this good of evil shall produce, 470 

And evil turn to good ; more wonderful 
Than that which by creation first brought forth 
Light out of darkness ! Full of doubt I stand, 
Whether I should repent me now of sin 
By me done and occasioned, or rejoice 475 

Much more, that much more good thereof shall spring, 
To God more glory, more good-will to men 
From God, and over wrath grace shall abound. 
But say, if our Deliverer up to Heaven 
Must reascend, what will betide the few 480 

His faithful, left among the unfaithful herd, 
The enemies of truth ? who then shall guide 
His people, who defend ? will they not deal 
Worse Avith his followers than with him they 
dealt ? " 

"Be sure they will," said the angel; "but from 
Heaven 486 

460 "And then shall they see 467. poriod, end. 
She Son of man coming in a 470. r/m«, which.— o/, from, 
eloud, with power and great 478. grace shall abound. See 
glory." Lukexxi.27. See also Romans v. 20, 21. 
Matthew xxv. 31-46. — both quale 
and dead. See Acts x. 42 - 
quick, living. 



382 PARADISE LOST. [Book XII 

He to Ills own a Comforter will send, 

The promise of the Fatlier, who shall dwell 

His Spirit within them, and the law of faith 

Workinf^ through love upon their hearts shall write, 

To guide them in all truth, and also arm 48Q 

With spiritual armor, able to resist 

Satan's assaults and quench his fiery darts ; 

What man can do against them not afraid, 

Though to the death ; against such cruelties 

With inward consolations recompensed, 496 

And oft supported so as shall amaze 

Their proudest persecutors : for the Spirit, 

Poured first on his Apostles whom he sends 

To evangelize the nations, then on all 

Baptized, shall them with wondrous gifts endue 500 

To speak all tongues, and do all miracles 

As did their Lord before them. Thus they win 

Great numbers of each nation to receive 

With joy the tidings brought from Heaven : at length, 

Their ministry performed and race well run, 505 

Their doctrine and their story written left, 

They die ; but In their room, as they forewarn, 

Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous wolves. 

Who all the sacred m3'steries of Heaven 

To their own vile advantages shall turn 610 

Of lucre and ambition, and the truth 

With superstitions and traditions taint, 

4S7. TJie promise of the Father, and after that hare no mere that 

Bee Luke xxiv. 49. they can do." Luke xii. 4. 

489. through love. " Faith 498. Poured first. See Acts Ji 
which worketh by love." Qala- 506. Their doctrine and their 
tians V. 6. stori/ loritten in the Epistles and 

490. " Ilowbeit when he, the the Book of Acts. 

Spirit of truth, is come, he will 508. Woh-es. " For I know 

guide you into all truth." John this, that after my departing 

xvi. 13. shall grievous wolves enter in 

491. spiritual armor. SeeEphe- among you, not sparing th« 
sians vi. 11-17. flock." Acts xx. 29. 

493. Not afraid of what man 511. lucre and ambition Set 
can do against them. "Be not 1 Peter v. 2, 3. 
Afraid of them that kill the body, 



Book XU] PARADISE LOST. 383 

Left only in tliose written records pure, 

Thougli not but by the Spirit undci-stood. 

Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names, 

Places, and titles, and with these to join 616 

Secular power, though feigning still to act 

By spiritual, to themselves appropriating 

The Spirit of God, promised alike and given 

To all believers ; and from that pretence 520 

Spiritual laws by carnal power shall force 

On every conscience ; laws which none shall find 

Left them inrolled, or what the Spirit within 

Shall on the heai^t engrave. What will they then 

But force the Spirit of grace itself, and bind 525 

His consort Liberty ? What, but unbuild 

His living temples, built by faith to stand. 

Their own faith, not another's ? for on earth 

Who against faith and conscience can be heard 

Infallible ? yet many will presume : 630 

Whence heavy persecution shall arise 

On all who in the worship persevere 

Of spirit and truth ; the rest, far greater part, 

Will deem in outward rites and specious forms 

Religion satisfied ; Truth shall retire 636 

Bestuck with slanderous darts, and works of faith 

Rarely be found. So shall the world go on, 

To good malignant, to bad men benign. 

Under her own weight groaning, till the day 

Aj^ear of respiration to the just 640 

And vengeance to the wicked, at return 

614. fcM«, except. 533. spirit and truth. SeeJcbn 

518. spiritual, spiritual power, ir. 23, 24. 

523. thetJi, to them. — inro'.led 53S. To good, to good men. 

In the Scriptures, which wore 540. respiration, breathing 

formerly written and kept iu agtiin ; relief or restitution. See 

rolls. — tvhni, such as. Acts iii. 21. 

526. Liberty. " ^Vliere the 541. return. " For the Son of 
Sj^irit of the Lord is, there is man shal'. come in the glory of 
liberty." 2 Corinthians iii. 17. his Father, with his angels; and 

527. His livins: temples. 1 Co- then shall he reward every maj 
"inthians iii. 16, 17. 



384 PARADISE LOST. I Book XU 

Of him so lately promised to thy aid, 

The woman's seed, obscurely then foretold, 

Now amplier known thy Saviour and thy Lord ; 

La^t in the clouds from Heaven to be revealed 540 

In glory of the Father, to dissolve 

Satan with his perverted world, then raise 

From the conflagrant mass, purged and refined, 

New heavens, new earth, ages of endless date, 

Founded in righteousness and peace and love, 55C 

To bring forth fruits, joy and eternal bliss." 

He ended ; and thus Adam last replied : 
" How soon hath thy prediction, seer blest. 
Measured this transient world, the race of time, 
Till time stand fixed ! beyond is all abyss, 668 

Eternity, whose end no eye can reach. 
Greatly instructed I shall hence depart. 
Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill 
Of knowledge, what this vessel can contain ; 
Beyond which was my folly to aspire. seo 

Henceforth I learn that to obey is best, 
And love with fear the only God, to walk 
As in his presence, ever to observe 
His providence, and on him sole depend, 
Merciful over all his works, with good 56B 

Still overcoming evil, and by small 
Accomplishing great things, by things deemed weak 

o 
according to his works." Mat- beyond is abyss, immeasurable 
thew xvi. 27. depth. 

544. amplier, more fully. — 559. ivhat, all of knowledge 
knoivn, known as. which. 

545. in the clouds. See Mat- 560. was, it was. 

thew xxiv. 30. 561. to obey is best. " Behold, 

548. conflagrant, burning to- to obey is better than sacrifice.'' 
fether, with a 3ommon flame. 1 Samuel xv. 22. 

549. New heavens, new earth. 505. " The Lord is good to all ; 
Bee 2 Peter iii. 10-13. and his tender mercies are ovei 

552. last replied, replied for the all his works." Psalm cxlv. 9. 
last time. 566 - 569. See 1 Corinthiani 

51-b. bevcnd is all abyss, all i. 26-29. 



Book XII.] PARADISE LOST. 385 

Bubverting worldly strong and worldly wise 
By simply meek ; that suffering for truth's sake 
Is fortitude to highest victory, 670 

And, to the faithful, death the gate of life ; 
Taught this by his example, Avliom I now 
Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest." 

To whom thus also the angel last replied : 
" This having learned, thou hast attained the sum 676 
Of wisdom ; hope no higher, though all the stars 
Thou knew'st by name, and all the ethereal powers, 
All secrets of the deep, all Nature's works, 
Or works of God in heaven, air, earth, or sea, 
And all the riches of this world enjoyedst, 5SU 

And all the rule, one empire : only add 
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable ; add faith, 
Add virtue, patiem;e, temperance, add love, 
By name to come called charity, the soul 
Of all the rest ; then wilt thou not be loath 686 

To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess 
A paradise within thee, happier far. 
Let us descend now therefore from this top 
Of speculation, for the hour precise 
Exacts our parting hence ; and see, the guards £90 
By me encamped on yonder hill expect 
Their motion, at whose front a flaming sword, 
In signal of remove, waves fiercely round : 
We may no longer stay. Go, waken Sve ; 
Her also I with gentle dreams have calmed, 595 

Portending good, and all her spirits composed 
To meek submission ; thou at season fit 

569. that. See Hue 561. lation, view, —p'ecise, fixed ; ap- 

576. hope no higher, hope for pointed, 

no higher attaiaraent. 590. Exacts, requires. 

581-585. Soe 2 Peter i. 5-7.— 591,592. expect their mocion, 

thnrity. See 1 Corinthians xiii. aw.iit the signal to move. — a 

688, 589. this top of specula- faming sword. See Gsnesis ill 

tion. See XI. 376-3.S4. - specu- ai. 
25 



586 PARADISE LOST. [Book XIL 

Let ber with thee partake what thou hast heard, 

Chielly what may concern her faith, to know, 

The great deUverance by her seed to come 600 

(For by the woman's seed) on all mankind ; 

That ye may live, which may be many days. 

Both in one faith unanimous, though sad 

With cause for evils past, yet much more cheered 

With meditation on the happy end." 606 

He ended, and they both descend the hill ; 
Descended, Adam to the bower where Eve 
Lay sleeping ran before, but found her waked ; 
And thus with words not sad she him received : 

" Whence thou return'st, and whither went'st, I 
know ; 610 

For God is also in sleep, and dreams advise, 
Which he hath sent propitious, some great good 
Presaging, since with sorrow and heart's distress 
Wearied I fell asleep. But now lead on ; 
In me is no delay ; with thee to go 616 

Is to stay here ; without thee here to stay 
Is to go hence unwilling ; thou to me 
Art all things under heaven, all places thou, 
Who for my wilful crime art banished hence. 
This further consolation yet secure 630 

I carry hence ; though all by me is lost, 
Such favor I unworthy am vouchsafed. 
By me the promised Seed shall all restore." 

So spake our mother Eve, and Adam heard 
Well pleased, but answered not ; for now too nigh Q3I 
The Archangel stood, and from the other hill 
To their fixed station, all in bright array, 

601. For by, for It shall come 611. advist. inform. 
by. See Galatians iv. 4, 5. 627. Jixed, appointed 

f)03. unanimous, agreeing. 



Book XII.] PARADISE LOST. 387 

riie Cherubim descended ; on the ground 
Gliding meteorous, as evening mist 
Risen from a river o'er the marish glides, 030 

And gathers ground fast at the laborer's heel 
Homeward returning, fligh in front advanced 
The bi-andished sword of God before them blazed 
Fierce as a comet, which with torrid heat, 
And vapor as the Libyan air adust, 636 

Began to parch that temperate clime ; whereat 
In either hand the hastening angel caught 
Our lingering parents, and to the eastern gate 
Led them direct, and down the cliff as fast 
To the subjected plain ; then disappeared. 540 

'They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld 
Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, 
Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate 
With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms. 
Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them 
soon ; 645 

The world was all before them, where to choose 
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide. 
They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow 
Through Eden took their solitary way. 

630. marish, marsh. 641. eastern side. •' At the east 

631. gathers, gains. of the garden of Eden." Genesis 

634. tuhich, the sword. — tor- iii. 24. 

rid, burning. 643. brand, sword. 

635. as the Libyan air adust, 644. dreadful, inspiring with 
parched as the air of the Libyan awe. 

desert. — adust. See VI. 514. 649. Through Eden. The gar 

640. subjected, lying below or den was planted " in Eden.» 
tnder. A Latinism , Genesis ii, 8 See IV 210-216. 



INDEX 

OF WELL-KNOWN LINES AND PASSAGES 



ibandon fear ; to strength and counsel joined 

rtiink nothing iard, much less to be despaired, vi 494. 

Abashed the Devil stood, 
A.nd felt how awful goodness is, and saw 
Virtue in her shape how lovely, iv. 846. 

A. bevy of fair women, richly gay 
'n gems and wanton dress, xi. 582. 

Able to drive 
All sadness but despair, iv. 155. 

Above the flight of Pegasean wing. vii. 4. 

A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold, 

And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear, vii. 67#. 

Adam, the goodliest man of men .'ince born 

ILs sons, the fairest of her daughters Eve. iv. 323. 

A death, like sleep, 
A gentle wafting to immortal life. xii. 434. 

A grateful mind 
By owlhg owes not, but still pays, at once 
Indebted and discharged, iv. 55. 

A happy rural seat of various view. iv. 247. 

A lazar-house it seemed, wherein were laid 
Numbers of all diseased, xi. 479. 

A Limbo large and broad, since called 
The Paradise of Fools, iii. 495. 

All good to me becomes 
Bane, and in Heaven much worse would be my state, tx. 122 

AJl is not lost ; the unconquerable will, 
And study of revenge, immortal hate, 
ind courage never to submit or yield, 
ind what is else not to be overcome, i. 106. 



390 INDEX. 

Ml what we affirm or what deny, and call 
Our knowledge or opinion, v. 107. 

^ mind not to be changed by place or time. i. 253. 

And feel that I am happier than I know. viii. 282. 

And men, not beasts, shall be his game. xii. 30. 

And sowed with stars the heaven thick as a field, vii. 858. 

And what she did, whatever in itself, 

Her doing seemed to justify the deed. x. 141. 

Anger and just rebulce, and judgment given, ix. 10. 

Answering scorn with scorn, iv. 834. 

A passage broad, 
Smooth, easy, inoffensive, down to Ilell. x. 304. 

A pillared shade 
High over-arched, and echoing walks between, is. 1100 

Argues no leader, but a liar traced, iv. 949. 

Assert eternal Providence, 
And justify the ways of God to men. i. 25. 

Awake, arise, or be forever fallen ! i. 330. 

A wilderness of sweets, v. 294. 

Best quitted with disdain. ' iv. 770. 

Better to reign in Ilell than serve in Ileaven. i. 263. 

Bring to their sweetness no satiety, viii. 216 

But ever to do ill our sole delight, i. 160. 

But not in silence holy kept. vii. 594. 

By his gait, 
None of the meanest, xi. 230. 

By merit raised 
To that bad eminence, ii. 5. 

Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue. viii. 619. 

Cheered with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles. Iv. 16&. 

Choosing rather 
Inglorious life with servitude, xii. 219. 

Close ambition, varnished o'er with zeal. M. 48&> 

Confusion won>e confounded, ii. 996. 



INDEX. 391 

Consider first, that great 
Or bright infers not excellence, viii. 90. 

Convict by flight, and rebel to all law. x. 83. 

Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking, x. 943. 

Daughter of God and Man, accomplished Eve. iv. 660. 

Demoniac phrenzy, moping melancholy, 

And mocn-struck madness, piuiug atrophy, xi. 485. 

Destined man himself to judge man fallen, x. tS 

Destroyers rightlier called, and plagues of men. xi. 097. 

Differing but in degree, of kind the same. v. 490. 

Dim sadness did not spare 
That time celestial visages, yet mixed 
With pity violated not their bliss, x. 23. 

Dwells in all Ileaven charity so dear ? iii. 216. 



Earth felt the wound ; and Nature from her seat, 
Sighing through all her works, gave signs of woe 
That aU was lost. ix. 782. 

Earth hath this variety from Ileaven. vi. 640. 

Earth in her rich attire 
Consummate lovely smiled, vii. 501. 

Earth now 
Seemed like to Ileaven, a seat where gods might dwell, 
Or wander with delight, and love to haunt 
Her sacred shades, vii. 323. 

Ease would recant 
Vows made in pain, as violent and void. iv. 96. 

Empty of all good wherein consists 
Woman's domestic honor and chief praise, xi. 616. 

Eternal silence be their doom. vi. 386- 

Even in Ileaven his looks and thoughts 
l\ ere downward bent. 1.680. 

Every star perhaps a world 
Of destined habitation, vii. 621. 



Cril, be thou my good. iv. 110. 



892 INDEX. 

Evil into the mind of God or man 

May come and go, so unapproved, and leave 

No spot or blame behind, v. 117. 

Exhausted, spiritless, afiiicted, fallen, vi. 852 

Fancy that they feel 
Divinity within them breeding wings, ix. 1009. 

Fierce hate he recollects, ix. 471. 

Firm peace recovered soon, and wo'hted cahn. v 210. 

F.owers of all hue, and without thorn the rose. iv. 256. 

For contemplation he and valor formed. 

For softness she and sweet attractive grace, iv. 297. 

Forth rushed in haste the great consulting peers, x. 458 

From her best prop so far, and storm so nigh. ix. 433. 

From mom 
To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, 
A summer's day. i. 742. 

Gentle airs, due at their hour. 
To fan the earth now waked, and usher in 
The evening cool. x. 93. 

God and good angels guard by special grace, ii. 1033. 

God is thy law, thou mine ; to know no more 

Is woman's happiest knowledge and her praise, iv. 637. 

Golden days, fruitful of golden deeds, iii. 337. 

Good, the more 
Communicated, more abundant grows, v. 71. 

Goodness thinlis no ill 
Vhere no ill seems, iii. 688. 

Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimaeras dire. ii. 628 

Grace that won who saw to wish her stay, vlii 4& 

Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, 
In every gesture dignity and love. viii. 488. 

Breatly instructed I shall hence depart, xii. 557. 

Grinned horrible a ghastly smile, ii. 846. 



Hail, holy Light, offspring of Heaven first-bom ! Iii. 1. 
5alf yet remains unsung, vii 21 



TNLEX. 393 



Happier thou mayst be, worthier caiut not be v. 76. 

lie above the rest 
In shnpe and gesture proudly eminent 
Stood like a tower, i. 689. 



He 

For dignity composed and high exploit, ii. 110. 

Heaven opened wide 
tier ever-during gates, harmonious sound 
On golden hinges moving, vii. 205. 

[lencefbrth I learn, that to obey is best, 
And love with fe;ir the only Uod. xii. 5G1 

Herself a fairer flower, iv. 270. 

Hide their diminished heads, iv. 85. 

High on a throne of ro3'al state, which far 
Outshone the wealth of Ormus and of Ind. ii. 1. 

Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill. x. 40S- 

His best of man. xi. 497. 

His form had yet not lost 
All her original brightness, i. 591. 

His former name 
Is heard no more in Heaven, v. 653. 

ULs gentle ditmb expression. Is. 527. 

His journey's end, and our beginning woe. iii. 633. 

Hope conceiving from despair, vi. 787. 

Hope elevates and joy 
Brightens his crest, ix. 633. 

Hope never comes 
That comes to all. i. 66. 

How glad would Lay me down, 
As in uiy mother's lap I x. 777. 

Hurled to and fro with jaculation dire. vi. 666. 

Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks 
Invisible except to God alone, iii. 683. 

Imaginations, aery shapes, v. 105 
In a troubled sea of passion tost. x. 718. 
In himself was all his state, v. 863. 



894 INDEX. 

In memory 
Or monument to ages. xi. 325. 

In mystic dance not without song. v. 178. 

In small room large heart enclosed, vii. 486. 

In solitude 
rrhat happiness, who can enjoy alone, 
Or, ali enjoying, wh-_t contentment find ? riii. 364. 

In telling wound, 
AJid in performing end us. xi. 2'J9. 

In the lowest deep a lower deep. iv. 76. 

In vain, 
If none regard, v. 43. 

In wished hour 
Of my revenge, first sought for. vi. 150. 

In word mightier than they in arms, vi 32. 

Knowledge of good bought dear by knowing ill. iv 

Like in punishment, 
ha in their crime, x. 544. 

Lives there who loves his pain ? iv. 888. 

Long choosing, and beginning late, ix, 26. 

Love was not in their looks, either to God 
Or to each other, x. 111. 



ilajestic though in ruin. ii. 305. 

Make the worse appear 
The better reason, ii. 113. 

Mammon, the least erected spirit that fell 
From llcaven. i. G79. 

Me miserable ! which way shall I fly 
Infinite wrath and mfinite despair ? iv. 73. 

Men who attend the altar, and should most 
Endeavor peace, xii. 354. 

Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth 

Unseen, both when we wake and when we Pleep. !▼. 877 

My early visitation, and my last 
i* even. xi. 275. 



INDEX, 395 



NameleM in dark oblivion let them dwell, yi. 3S0. 

Necessity, 
The tyrant's plea. iv. 393. 

Night 
Invests the sea, and wished morn delays, i. 207. 

No falsehood can endure 
Pouch of celestial temper, but returns 
Of force to its own likeness, iv. 811. 
No light, but rather darkness visible, i. 63. 

Nor ever saw till now 
Sight more detestable than him and thee. ii. 744. 

Nor love thy life, nor hate ; but what thou liv'st 

Live well ; how long, how short, permit to lleaven. xi. 553. 

Nor number nor example with him wrought 

To swerve from truth, or' change his constant mind, 

Though single, v. 901. 

Nor think, though men were none, 
That heaven would want spectators, God want praise, iv. 675- 

Not to know me argues yourselves unknown, iv. 830. 

Now came still evening on, and twilight gray 
Had in her sober livery all things clad. iv. 598. 

Now I see 
Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste, xi. 783. 

Now learn too late 
How few sometimes may know, when thousands err. vi. 148 

Now Mom, her rosy steps in the eastern clime 
Advancing, sowed the earth with orient pearl, v. i. 

O'er many a frozen, many a fiery Alp. ii. 620. 

fairest of creation, last and best 
Of all God's works ! ix. 896. 

Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit 
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal tjiste 
Brought death into the world and all our woe. i. 1. 

Oft invoked 
With vows, as their chief good and final hope. xi. 492. 

On some great charge employed 
Ha seemed, or fixed in cogitation deep. iii. 623. 

On their hinges grate 
Harsh thunder, ii. 881. 



59 G INDEX. 

sacred name of faithfulness profaned ! iv. 951. 
3 unexpected stroke, worse than of death ! xi. 268. 
Outrageous as a sea, dark, wasteful, wild. vii. 212. 

Part good, part bad ; of bad the longer scroll, xii. 3 

Patiently resign 
What justly, thou hast lost. xi. 287. 

Perrerts best things 
To worst abuse, or to their meanest use. iv. 203. 

Reasoned high 
Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate, 
Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute ; 
And found no end, in wandering mazes lost. li. 558. 

Regardless whether good or evil fame. xii. 47. 

Revenge, at first though sweet, 
Bitter ere long back on itself recoils, ix. 171. 

Rose, like an exhalation, i. 711. 



Babean odors from the spicy shore 
Of Araby the Blest, iv. 1G2. 

Sagacious of his quarry from so far. x. 281. 

Sat hke a cormorant, iv. 196. 

Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best. viii. 6i 

Semblance of worth, not substance, i. 529. 

Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose 
And fear of God. xi. 798. 

Shalt possess 
A paradise within thee, happier far. xii. 587. 

Sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose, 
Or flocks, or herds, or himaan face divine, iii. 43 

Siloa's brook, that flowed 
Fast by the oracle of God. i. 11. 

Bmit with the love of sacred song. iii. 29. 

Bo clomb this first grand thief into God's fold •, 
go into his church lewd hirelings climb, iv. 192. 

So farewell, hope ; and with hope, farewell fear ; 
'i'arewell, remorse : all good to me is lost. iv. 108 



INDEX. 39< 

Boft words to his fierce passion she assayed, x. 865. 

Bollcit not thy thoughts with matters liid. Tiii. 167. 

Solitude sometimes is best society, ix. 249. 

Bo saying, witn despatchful looks in haste 

She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent, v. 331. 

So spake the cherub ; and his grave rebuke, 
Severe in youthful beauty, added grace 
Invincible, iv. 844. 

So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found 
Among the faithless, faithful only he. v. 896. 

Such fatal consequence ULJtes us three, x. 364. 

Sweet interchange 
Of hill and valley, rivers, woods, and plains. Ix. 116. 

Sweet the coming on 
Of grateful evening mild. iv. 646. 

Tears, such as angels weep. i. 620. 

That space the evil one abstracted stood 
From his own evil. ix. 463. 

That suffering for truth's sake 
Is fortitude to highest victory, xii. 569. 

That would be wooed, and not unsought be won. viii. 60S. 

The better fortitude 
Of patience and heroic martyrdom 
Unsung, ix. 31. 

The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar. xi. 713. 

The goodly prospect of some foreign land 
First seen. iii. 548. 

The height of this great argimient. i. 24. 

The invention all admired, and each how he 

To be the inventor missed, so easy it seemed 

Once found, which yet unfound most would have thought 

Impossible, vi. 498. 

The mind is its own place, and in it.self 

Can make a heaven of llell, a hell of Ueaven. I. 254. 

The perilous edge 
W battle when it raged, i." 276. 

Q'he tenier grass, whose verdure clad 
Ber aniversal lace with pleasant green, vii. 315. 



398 INDEX. 



Tbe work some praise, 
And some the architect, i. 731. 

The world was all before them where to choose 

Their place of rest, and Provideuce their guide, xii. 646 

Then, when T am thy captive, talk of chaias. iv. 9V0. 

These are thy glorious works, Parent of good. 

Almighty ! thine this universjil fnmie. 

Thus wondrous fair ; thyself how wondrous then '. v. 153 

Thick as autumnal leaves that strow the brooks 
In Vallombrosa. i. 302. 

This fair defect 
Of nature, x. 891. 

Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme, i. 16. 

This intellectual being, 
These thoughts that wander througli eternity, ii. 147. 

This was all thy care. 
To stand approved in sight of God, though worlds 
Judged thee perverse, vi. 35. 

Though fallen on evil days. vii. 25. 

Thou, my shade 
Inseparable, must with me along, x. 249. 

Those graceful acts, 
Those thousand decencies, that daily liow 
From all her words and actions, viii. 600. 

To be weak is miserable, 
Doing or suffering, i. 157. 

To create 
Ib greater than created to destroy, vii. C06. 

To sing, to dance, 
To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye. xi. 619. 

To suffer, as to do, 
Our strength is equal, ii. 199. 

To vice industriotLs, but to nobler deeds 
tjimorous and slothful, ii. 116. 

Tyranny must be, 
riiough to the tyrant thereby no excuse, xii. 95. 



Inder amazement of their hideous change, i. S13. 



INDEX. 399 

Upheld by old repute, 
Uonsent, or custom, i. 039. 

Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek. Viii. 197. 

Fain wisdom ail, and false philosophy, ii. 565. 

War seemed a civil game 
To this uproar, vi. 6G7. 

Was filled 
With admiration and deep muse, to hear 
Of things so high and strange, vii. 51. 

Was the first 
That practised falsehood under saintly show. iv. 121 

UTiat in me is dark 
Illmnine, what is low raise and support, i. 22. 

What pleasing seemed, for her now pleases more. ix. 463. 

\7hat seemed his head 
rhe Ukeness of a kingly crown had on. ii. 672. 

Whence and what art thou, execrable shape ? ii. 681. 

Wliere honor due and reverence none neglects, iii. 733 

Which way I fly is hell ; myself am hell. iv. 75. 

Which, were it toilsome, yet with thee were sweet. It. 439. 

While day arises, that sweet hour of prime, v. 170. 

■^Vlaile yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps, 
Between us two let there be peace, x. 923 . 

Who overcomes 
By force, hath overcome but half his foe. i. 648. 

Who shall tempt with wandering feet 
The dark unbottomed infinite abyss ? ii. 404. 

Who, to surprise 
One man, assassin-like had levied war, 
War unproclaimed. xi. 218. 

WiL prove no sudden, but a slow-paced evil. x. 963. 

Wisdom at one entrance quite shut out. iii. 6C 

With fear of change 
Perplexes monarchs. i. 598. 

With gray* 
Lsp«ct he rose, and in his rising seemed 
A pillar of state, ii. 300. 



400 INDEX. 

With show of zeal and love 
To man, and indication at his %vTong. ix. 666- 

U'ith thee conversing, I forget all tiniP. iv. 639. 

With thee to go, 
Is to stay here ; without thee here to stay, 
Is to go hence unwilhng. xii 61f> 



Yet th^ post 
Hot of m«au suiton. zi. 8 



INDEX. 



Aaron's breastplate, iii 598. 
(Lbana and Pharphar, i. 469. 
Abariin, i. 408. 
Abdiel (a seraph), opposes Satan, 

V. 805-907 ; is applauded, vi. 

21-'i3 ; encounters Satan, vi. 

107-198 ; overthrows three of 

the follen angels, vi. 369-372. 
Abominations, the shrines of 

heathen gods, i. 389. 
Abraham, xii. 113-153, 273. 
Abraham's faith, xii. 449. 
Accaron and Gaza's frontier 

bounds, i. 466. 
Acheron (a river of Ilell), ii. 578. 
Achilles, i.x. 15. 
Adam and Eve first described, iv. 

288-324. 
Adam, our second, xi. 383 
Address to Light, iii. 1-55. 
Adonis, i. 450 ; ix. 440. 
Adramelech and A.smadai, vi. 365. 
Adria, i. 520. 

Adversary (Satan), ii. 629; adver- 
sary-serpent, xii. 312. 
^tna" i. 233 ; Mtna. flames, iii. 

470. 
Afer (wind from Africa), x. 702. 
Afric shore, i. 585. 
Agra and Labor, cities of the 

Great Mogul, xi. 391. 
Ahaz. king of Judah. i. 472. 
Aialon (or Ajalon), xii. 266. 
Aladule, x. 435. 
Alcairo, i. 718. 
Alcides, ii. 542. 
Alcinous, V. 341 ; ix. 441. 
Aleian field, vii. 19. 
Almausor, xi. 403. 
Amalthca, the mother of Bacchus, 

iv. 278. 
Amara, Mount, iv. 281. 
Amarant, a flower transplanted 
26 



from Paradise to IleaTen, UI 

353-364. 

Amazonian targe, ix. 1111. 

American, ix. 1116. 

Ammiral, i. 294. 

Ammon, Ammonian Jove, iv. 
277; ix. 508. 

Amram's son. i. 339. 

Anarch old (Chaos), ii. 988. 

Andromeda (the constellation^ iii. 
659. 

Angola, xi. 401. 

Aouian mount 'seat of the Muses), 
i. 15. 

Apostles, their mission and their 
work, xii. 4.38-450, 479-507. 

Apple, fruit of the Tree of Knowl- 
edge so called, x. 487 ; ix. 585. 

Araby the Blest, iv. 163 ; Arabian 
shore, iii. 537. 

Arcadian pipe, xi. 132. 

Argo (the ship), ii. 1017. 

Argob (and Basan), i. 398. 

Argument of the poem, i. 1-26 ; 
ix. 1-47. 

Argus (the hundred-eyed), xi. 131. 

Ariel, Arioch, and llamiel, van- 
quished by Abdiel, vi. 369-371. 

Aries (the sign), x. 329. 

Arimaspiitn, ii. 945. 

Ark (Noiih's). its building des- 
cribed, xi. 728-732, 819. 

Ark of the covenant, i. 458 ; xii 
249-251. 333, 340. 

Arnon (the river), i. 399. 

Aroer, i. 407. 

Asmodeus (an evil spirit), iv. 168. 

Asphaltic pool, i. 411 ; slime, x. 
298. 

Aspramont or Montalban, i 583. 

Assyrian mount, iv. 126 ; gardea 
iv. 285. 

Astoreth (or Astarte), i. 437-443. 



402 



INDEX. 



Astracan (Astrachan), x. 432, 

Astrea (the constellation), iv. 998. 

Astronomer (probably Galileo), iii. 
589. 

Atabalipa (Inca of Peru), xi. 409. 

Athens, where eloquence flourish- 
ed, ix. 671. 

Atlas mount, xi, 402 ; iv. 987- 

Atlantean shoulders, ii. 300. 

Atlantic seas, iii. 559 ; Sisters, x. 
674. 

Auran (or Ilaran), iv. 211. 

Aurora's fan, v. 6. 

Ausonian land (Italy), 1. 739. 

Authentic will, iii. 656 ; fire, iv. 
719. 

Azazel, Satan's standard-bearer, 
i.534. 

Azores, iv. 592. 

Azotus, the seat of the temple of 
Dagon, i. 464. 

Baalim and Ashtaroth (repre- 
sented as fallen angels), i. 422. 

Babel, i. 694 ; iii. 466 ; its building 
described, xii. 37 -62. 

Babylon, i. 717 ; place of the Cap- 
tivity, xii. 342-345. 

Bacchus hid, iv. 279 ; and his 
revellers, vii. 33. 

Bactrian Sophi, x. 433. 

Baptism, what the Sign of, xii. 
442-444 ; baptized, the Holy 
Spirit given to all such, xii. 
497-500. 

Barbaric pearl and gold, ii. 4. 

Barca or Gyrene d torrid soil, ii. 
904. 

Battles and single combats be- 
tween the faithful and rebel- 
lious angels described, vi. 198- 
866. 

Beasts, their creation described, 
vii. 449-474. 

Beelzebub, next in power to Sa- 
tan, i. 78-81 ; his first reply to 
Satan after their fall from 
Heaven, i. 128-155 ; second 
reply, i. 271-282 ; speech in 
council, ii. 300-385. 
Beersaba (Becrsheba), iii. 536. 
Behemoth, biggest born of earth, 

vii. 471. 
tJelial, (and his sons), i. 490-502; 
described, ii. 108-117 ; speech 
in council, u. 119-228; his 
scoffing words, vi. 620-62^ 



Belleiophon, bis fall from Pega- 
sus, vii. 18. 

"Bellona (goddess of war), ii. 922. 

Belus (or Bel, a Babylonish idol), 
i. 720. 

Bengala (Bengal), ii. 638. 

Bethel, (and Dan), i. 485. 

Birds, their creation described, 
?*K 417-446. 

Biserta, i. 585. 

Bizance (Byzantium), xi. 395. 

Blindness, reference of the poet to 
his own, iii. 22-50 ; vii. 27. 

Borfsas and Csecias and Argestea 
k ud and Thrascias (windJs), X. 
699. 

Bosporus, passage of Argo 
through, ii. 1018. 

Bower of Adam and Eve in Para- 
dise described, iv. 689-708. 

Briareos (the hundred-handed), i. 
199 

Bridge built by Sin and Death 
from Hell to Earth over Chaos, 
ii. 1023-1033 ; x. 282-320. 

British and Armoric knights, i 
581. 

Busiris (Pharoah), i. 307. 



Cain and Abel, their story related, 

xi. 429^47. 
Calabria, ii. 661. 
Cambalu, seat of Cathaian Can, 

xi. 388. 
Canaan, its limits described, xii. 

135-145 ; its conquest, xii. 260- 

269. 
Cape of Hope, iv. 160. 
Capricorn (the sign), x. 677. 
Carmel, Mount, xii. 144. 
Carol (song of the angels), xii 

367. 
Casius, Mount, ii. 593. 
Caspian, description of a tempest 

on that sea, ii. 714-718. 
Castalian spring, iv. 274. 
Cathaian coast, x. 293; Can (ot 

Khan), xi. 388. 
Causey to Hell-gate, x, 415. Foi 

description, see Bridge. 
Celtic (fields), i. 521. 
Centaur (the sign SagittariuB), 

X. 328. 
Cerberean mouths, ii. 655. 
Ceres, the mother of Proserpine 

iv. 271; goddess of grain, It 



INDEX. 



403 



981 ; Eye compared to her, be. 

395. 
Dhani (Ilam), iv. 276 ; son of 

Noah, xii. 101-104. 
Chaos, his realm described, ii. 

8yi-91t5 : vii. 211-215 ; his court, 

ii. a5t»-yiJ7 ; his reply to Satan, 

ii. 990-1009. 
Charleniain, i. 586. 
Charybdis, ii. 1020. 
Chemos (or I'eor), the god of the 

Moabites. i. 406^18. 
Cherisouese (the Golden), xi. 392. 
Chinia;ras dire, ii. 628. 
Chinescs, iii. 438. 
Chivalry (cavalry), i. 307 ; Panim, 

i. 765. 
Church, hirelings in it, iv. 193. 
Circean (relating to the sorceress 

Circe), ix. 522. 
Cleombrotus. iii. 471-473. 
Cocy tus (a river of Hell), ii. 579. 
Columbus, ix. 1116. 
Comet, Satan compared to one, ii. 

707-711 ; the sword of God so 

compared, xii. 634. 
Commonalty, popular tribes of, 

vii. 489. 
Congo, xi. 401. 

Conjugal obedience woman's hap- 
. piuess, iv. 034-638. 
Conscience God's umpire in man, 

iii. 194-197 ; its terrors, iv. 23- 

26 ; x. 842. 
Constellations, their starry dance, 

iii. 5S0. 
Crab (the sign Cancer), x. 675. 
Creation described, iii. 708^-721 : 

vii. 221-557. 
Crete and Ida, i. 514. 
Cronian sea, x. 290. 
Cusco in Peru, xi. 408. 
Cyclades, v. 2*34. 
Cytherea's son (iEneas), ix. 19. 

Damascus, i. 468 ; Damasco, i. 584. 

Danaw (Danube), i. 353. 

David, promise made to him, xii. 
820-330, 345-347. 

Death and Sin, their station at the 
gates of Hell, ii. 649 ; x. 229-234 ; 
their union inseparable, x. 251 ; 
their bridge, x. 282-320 ; their 
journey to the earth, x. 410-414 ; 
their arrival in Paradise, x. 585- 
690 ; their work there, x. 610- 
613 ; their doom, x. 632-637. 



Death nitural, its many shapes, 

xi. 466-493; to the faithful, a 

sleep, xii. 435, and the gate of 

hfe, xii, 571. 
Delia (Diana), comparison of Eve 

to her, ix. 388-390. 
Delos or 8amo.s first appearing, 

V. 265 , Delos, floating once, x. 

296. 
Delphian cliff, i. 517. 
Deluge described, xi. 738-753, 

824-835. 
Deniogorgon, the dreaded name, 

ii. 965. 
Despair, Satan's, iv. 73-110. 
DeucaUon and chaste Pvrrha, xi. 

12. 
Dict.nean Jove, x. 584. 
Dinner in Paradise, prepared by 

Eve, V. 303-.307, 331-349. 391- 

395 ; partaken of, v. 433-445. 
Dis(Pluto), iv. 270. 
Discord, the daughter of Sin, her 

works, X. 707-714 ; censured, ii 

496-505. 
Divan (council), x. 457. 
Dodona, i. 518. 
Dominic (founder of an order of 

friars), iii. 4?9. 
Dominion absolute of man over 

man condemned, xii. 64-71. 
Dorado (El Dorado, the Gilded or 

Golden), xi. 411. 
Dorian mood (measure), i. 550. 
Doric land, i. 519 ; pillars, i. 714. 
Dothan, xi. 217. 
Dove sent forth from the Ark, xi. 

856-860. 
Dreams, of Eve, inspired by Satan, 

iv. 799-809 ; related by her to 

Adam, v. 28-93 ; accounted for 

by him, v. 100-121 ; of Adam, 

viii. 285-311, 460-480 ; of Eve, 

inspired by the archangel, xii. 

594-597, 6il ; of Jacob, iii. 610- 

515. 
Drop serene (gutta serena, a cause 

of blindness), iii. 25. 

Eagle becomes a bird ef prey, a 
consequence of the Fall, xi. 184- 
186. 

Earth, its creation, vii. 232-242; 
the shadow of Heaven, v. 574- 
676 ; apostrophized and praised 
by Satiin, ix. 99-118. 



404 



INDEX. 



Ecbatan (Ecbatana, a city of Per- 
sia), xi. 3'J3. 

Eden, its situation, iv. 209-215. 

Egypt, her gods, i. 476^89; the 
descendants of Abraham there, 
xii. 155-172 ; its plagues, xii. 
173-21'1 ; Egypt's evil day, i. 
339. 

Eleale (in the country of Moab), i. 
411. 

Election asserted, iii. 183, 184. 

Eli's sons, i. 495. 

Elysium, Plato's, iii. 472 ; Elysian 
lowers, iii. 359. 

Erapedocles (a philosopher), his 
fate, iii. 471. 

Enna, field of, iv. 269. 

Enoch, his story related, xi. 664- 
671 ; his translation, xi. 700- 
709. 

Epidaurus, ix. 507. 

Ercoco, the port of Negus, xi. 398. 

Erebus (the place of darkness), ii. 
883. 

Estotiland, x. 686. 

Ethiop line, iv. 282 ; Ethiopian 
(sea), ii. 641. 

Euboic sea, ii. 546. 

Euphrates, i. 420 ; xii. 114. 

Europe with Asia joined, x. 310. 

Eurus and Zephyr, x. 705. 

Eurynome (wide-encroaching), x. 
581. 

Eve's soliloquy, before eating the 
fruit, ix. 745-779 ; after eating 
it, ix. 795-833 ; on the threat- 
ened expulsion from Paradise, 
xi. 268-285. 

Evening, in Paradise, iv. 598- 
609 ; X. 92-95 ; hymn, iv. 720- 
735. 

Evil, when blameless, v. 117-119. 

Ezekiel, his vision, i. 455. 

Faith, not void of works, the con- 
dition of offered life, xii. 425- 
427 ; justification by, xii. 294r- 
299 ; the law of, xii. 488-490. 

Fancy, its office, v. 100-113 ; in- 
ternal sight, viii. 461 ; apt to 
rove, viii. 188. 

Fate the will of God, vii. 173. 

Faunus (a rural divinity), iv. 708. 

Fesole, near Florence, i. 289. 

Fez and Sus, xi. 403. 

Fig-tree described, ix. 1101-1110. 

firmament described, vii. 261- 
275. 



Fish, their creation Jescril)«d, fil 

387-416. 

Flaming sword at the gate ol 
Paradise, xii. 592, 632-643. 

Flood. See Deluge. 

Fontarabbia, i. 587. 

Freedom, its loss the loss of vir- 
tue, xi. 798. 

Free grace declared, iii. 173-182^ 
227-231. 

Free will asserted, iii. 95-111 ; ix 
350. 

Franciscan (weeds), iii. 480. 

Furies, harpy-footed, ii. 596. 

Gabriel, his station at the gatfl 
of Paradise, iv. 549-554 ; hia 
charge, iv. 561-563 ; appointed 
one of the chiefs of the celestial 
army, vi. 45-47 ; his prowess in 
battle, vi. 354-362. 

Galileo, the astronomer, men- 
tioned, V. 262 : doubtless re- 
ferred to, i. 287-291 ; iii. 589- 
590. 

Ganges or Ilydaspes, Indian 
streams, iii. 4.36 ; Gauges and 
Indus, ix. 82. 

Garden of Eden described, iv. 
214-287 ; by Adam, viii. 303- 
307 ; gardens feigned, ix. 439- 
441. 

Gate of Heaven described, iii. 504- 
509 ; of Paradise, iv. 543-548 ; 
gates of Hell, ii. 643-648. 

Gath and Ascalon (cities of the 
Philistines), i. 465. 

Gehenna, the type of Hell, i. 405. 

Gentiles (heathens), iv. 277 ; 
(Greeks), xii. 310. 

Geryon's sons (Spaniards^, xi. 410. 

Giants before the Flood, iii. 463- 
465 ; xi. 638-642. 

Gibeah. i. 504. 

Gibeon, xii. 265. 

Gibraltar, i. 355. 

Glory, commonly so called, ad. 
688-699. 

Golgotha (the place of the Cruet 
fixion), iii. 477. 

Gordian twine, iv. 348. 

Gorgons, ii. 628 ; Wedusa one of 
them, ii. 611; x. 527. 

Goshen (in Egypt), i. 309. 

Grace resisted, consequences o| 
iii. lO'S-202. 

Graces (attendants of Venus), If 
267. 



INDEX. 



405 



Suiana, yet unspoiled, xi. 410. 
Sunpowder, its invention ascribed 
to Satan, vi. 470-491, 508-520. 

Hallelujahs, heavenly, vi. 742- 

745. 
Hamath, on the north of the 

Promised Land, xii. 139. 
Haran (in Mesopotamia), xii. 131. 
Heaven, its joys described, iii. 

344-371 
Hell, its horrors portrayed, i. 

59-75. 
Hellespont, bridged over, x. 309. 
Hercules, his rage, ii. 542-546 ; 

Herculean Samson, ix. 1060. 
Hermes (Mercury), iii. 603; iv. 

717 i xi 133 ; Maia's son, v. 

285. 
Hermione (Ilarmonia) and Cad- 
mus, changed to serpents, ix. 

506. 
Hermon, Mount, xii. 142. 
Hesebon and Iloronaim (cities of 

the Moabites), i. 408. 
Hesperus (the western or evening 

star), iv. 605 ; ix. 48-51 ; Hes- 
perian, fields (Italy), i. 520; 

gardens (islands of the Ilesper- 

ides), iii. 568 ; fables true, iv. 

250 ; isles, viii. 632. 
Hierarchs, chiefs of the heavenly 

orders, v. 587. 
Hinnom, the valley of, i. 404. 
Hispahan, a city of Persia, xi. 

3t^i. 
Holy Land, its southern border, 

iii. 538. 
Hosannas, heavenly, iii. 348 ; vi. 

205. 
Holy Spirit, descent of, xii. 485- 

502. 
Hours (goddesses of the seasons), 

iv. 267 ; vi. 3. 
Hunter, the lion for the first 

time such after the Fall, xi. 187- 

189. 
Uyaline. the glassy sea, vii. 619. 
l[ydras, ii. 628. 

Hymen, the god of marriage, xi. 
691 : hymenasan (nuptial song), 

iv. 711. 

Ida, Mount, v. 382. 

Idolatry, the original rise of it 
assigned, i. 358-375 ; after the 
Flood, xii. 115-120 ; of Israel, i. 



4.32-437, 482-489 ; of Judah. L 
456 ; and of its kings, xii. 337. 

lUyria, ix. 505. 

Imaus (snowy ridge), iii. 431. 

Immortality, lost and gained, xi 
57-66. 

Incense, in Heaven, vii. 599 ; xi. 
18 ; of flowers in Paradise, ix. 
192-197. 

India, East or West, v. 339 ; In- 
dian mount, i. 781 ; streams, iii. 
436; Indians (East), ix. 1102; 
Ind, ii. 2. 

Innocence in Paradise before the 
Fall, V. 209, 379-385. 445-150. 

Invocation, of the heavenly :Muse, 
i. 1-16 ; vii. 1-39 ; of the celes- 
tial Light, iii. 51-55. 

Ionian gods, of Javan's issue, i 
508. 

Iris (goddess of the rainbow), xi 
244. 

Israelites, their bondage in_Egypt 
and deliverance, xii. 167-216 ; 
their establishment in Canaan, 
xii. 258-269; under judges and 
kings, xii. 315-343 ; their cap- 
tivity, return, and after-dissen- 
sions, xii. 344-a58. 

Ithuriel (and Zephon, guardian 
angels of Paradise), iv. 788, 
868; touches Satan with his 
spear, iv. 810. 

Jacob, his flight and dream, iii. 

510-515 ; his meeting with 

angels in Mahanaim, xi. 213- 

215. 
Jesus, son of Mary, x. 183. 
John, he who saw the Apocalypse, 

iii. 623; iv. 1. 
Jordan, true limit (of Canaan) 

eastward, xii. 145. 
Joseph in Egypt, xii. 160-163. 
Joshua (or Jesus), xii. 310. 
Jove (Jupiter), i. 512,514 ; Libyan, 

iv. 277 ; ix. 508 ; Capitoline, ix. 

508. 
Juno's ir", ix. 18. 
Justification (by faith), xii. 296. 

Kings, Memphian, i. 694 ; Gre- 
cian, iv. 212 ; Abassin, iv. 280 j 
Sinaean, xi. 390 ; of Judah, xii. 
329-336. 

Knowledge, without restraint, 
not wisdom, vii. llS-130 ; Tlil 



406 



INDEX. 



188-197 ; xii. 557-560 ; of future 
events, not to be desired, xi. 

770-776. 

Lament, Eve's, xi. 268-285, 
Lapland witches, ii. 665. 
Laviuia disespoused, ix. 17. 
Law, given to the Israelites, xii. 

227-232, 287 ; imperfect, xii. 

289-300 ; its fulfilment, xii. 393- 

404 ; of faith, xii. 488-490 ; of 

woman, iv. 637 ; in Paradise, ix. 

652-654. 
Lemnos, the ^gean isle, i. 746. 
Leo (the .sign), x. 676. 
Lethe (a river of Hell), ii. 582-586 ; 

its waters forbidden to the 

damned, ii. 604-614. 
Levant and Ponent wind.=!, x. 704. 
Leucothea (white-goddess), xi. 

135. 
Leviathan described, i. 200-208 ; 

vii. 412-416. 
Liberty, its loss, xii. 82-90. 
Libra (the sign), iii. 558. 
Libyan sands, i. 355. 
Lichas, ii. 545. 
Light, address to, iii. 1-55 ; its 

creation described, vii. 243-256. 
Life, length of, secured, xi. 630- 

537. 
Limbo, or Fools' Paradise, iii. 

495. 
Locusts, the plague of, i. 338-343 ; 

xii. 185. 
Love, true, described, viii. 586- 

593. 
Lucifer (Satan), why so called, x. 

425. 

Mseonides (Homer), iii. 35. 
Ma20tis, the pool, ix. 78. 
Magellan, x. 687. 
Malabar, or Decan, ix. 1103. 
Mammon (represented as a fallen 

angel), described, i. 678-688 ; 

his speech in council, ii. 229- 

283. 
Man, why created, iii. 678-680 ; 

his creation described, vii. 524- 

635. 
Mary, second Eve, v. 387 ; x. 183. 
)Jedia, iv. 171. 
Mediator, the Son sent as. x. 58- 

62 ; prefigured, xii. 240-244. 
Medusa. See Gorgons. 
Megaera (one of the Furies), x. 

560. 



Meliboean (purple), xi. 243. 

Memphiau chivalry, i. 307 ; king%. 
i. 694. 

Mercy, God's brightest attribute. 
iii. 132-134. 

Messiah (the Anointed), pro- 
claimed, iii. 315-322 ; v. 600-608 ; 
his times foretold, xii. 243; 
his birth, xii. 360-3G9 ; his life, 
death, and resurrection, xii! 
402-425 ; his ascension, xii, 436, 
451 ; his coming to judgment, 
xii. 458^63 ; iii. 523-338. 

Mexico, the seat of Monteznme, 
si. 4(J7. 

Michael (the archangel), prince 
of celestial armies, vi. 44 ; hia 
combat with Satan, vi. 29&- 
327 ; .sent to expel man from 
Paradise, xi. 99-125 ; his ap- 
pearance there, xi. 238-248 ; 
leads forth Adam and Eve, xii. 
636-640. 

Moloch (represented as a fallen 
angel), and his worship, des- 
cribed, i. 392^05 ; ii. 43-50 ; 
his speech in the council, ii. 51- 
105 ; his combat with Gabriel, 
vi. 354-362. 

Mombaza, and Melind, xi. 399. 

Moon, her office, iii. 726-732 ; her 
light, iv. 606-609 ; her creation 
described, vii. 356, 375-382. 

Morning in Paradise, v. 1-8 ; ix. 
192-200. 

Morning hymn, v. 153-208 

Morocco, i. 584 ; and Algiers ani\ 
Tremisen, xi. 404. 

Mosco (seat of the Russian Ksar) 
xi. 395. 

Moses, and Aaron, their missioc 
to Egypt, xii. 170 ; not per. 
mitted to enter Canaan, xii. 
307-309. 

Mulciber (Vulcan), i. 738-746. 

Muse, heavenly, invoked, i. l-13j 
376 ; vii. 1-39 ; Muses nine, iii 
27 ; vii. 6 ; the Muse (Calliope), 
vii. 37. 

Nebo (Mount), i. 407. 

Neptune's ire, ix. 18. 

Niger Hood, xi. 402. 

Night de.'^cribed, v. 38-43; aft«l 

the Fall. x. 840-848. 
Nile (river of Egypt), i. 3-13, 413 

iv. 283; xU. 157-159. 



INDEX. 



407 



Nimrod, his tyranny described, 

xii. 24-37, 63-60. 
Niphates' top, iii. 742. 
Nisroch (one of tlie rebel angels), 

and his speech, Ti. 447-468. 
Noah, his preaching, xi. 719-727 ; 

his descent from the Ark, xi. 

861-8ai. 
Noon in Paradise, v. 300-304. 
Noruiubega, x. 696. 
Norway foam, i. 203; Norwegian 

hills, i. 293. 
Notus and Afer (w'uds), x. 702. 
Nyseian isle, iv. 275. 

Ob, the riTer, ix. 78. 

Obedience, of will not of necessity, 

acceptable to God, iii. 98-107 ; 

V. 531-540. 
(Echalia (in Thessaly), ii. 542. 
(Eta (Mount), ii. 545. 
Old age described, xi. 535-546. 
Oly m plan games or Pythian fields, 

ii. 530. 
Ophion (serpent), x. 581. 
Ophiuchus (or Serpentarius, a 

constellation), ii. 7U9. 
Ophiusa, the isle of serpents, x. 

528. 
Ops, X. 584. 

Orcus and Ades, ii. 964. 
Oread or Dryad, ix. 387. 
Oreb (Mount Uoreb), 1. 7, 484; 

xi. 74. 
Orion (constellation), i. 305. 
Ormus, ii. 2. 
Orontes (river of Syria), iv. 273 ; 

ix. 80. 
Orpheus, the Thracian bard, vii. 

33-33 ; Orphean lyre, iii. 17. 
Osiris, Isis, Orus (Egyptian gods), 

i. 478. 
Oxus, xi. 389. 

Padan-aram, iii. 513. 

Palace and throne of Satan in Hell, 
i. 710-730 ; x. 443-447. 

Pales, ix. 393. 

Palatine, coast of, i. 465. 

Pan, iv. 266, 707. 

Pandemonium, i. 756 ; x. 424 

Pandora^ iv. 714-719. 

Paneas, iii. 535. 

Paquin (Pekin), xi. 390. 

Paradise (garden of E'ien), de- 
scribed, iv. 131-159 ; v. 291-297 ; 
Tiu. 303-308 ; ix. 434-443 ; seat 



of it destroyed by the Flood, zi 

829-835. 
Patriarchs, their story related, xil 

114-164 ; patriarchal govern' 

ment described, xii. 13-24. 
Pegasean wing, vii. 4. 
Pelorus, i. 232. 
Persecution, its i-ise in the church. 

and its elfects, xii. 508-539 
Peter, Saint, iii. 484. 
Petsora, x. 292. 
Pharaoh (Busiris), his overthrow, 

i. 306-311 ; his realm, i. 342 ; xii. 

162. 
Philistean Dalilah, ix. 1061. 
Phlegethon (a river of llell), ii. 

580. 
Phlegra, i. 577. 
Plagues of Egypt described, xii. 

173-190. 
Pleiades, vii. 374. 
Pomona, Ix. 394 ; Pomona's arbor 

V. 378. 
Pontus, V. 340 ; ix. 77. 
Prayer, its efficacy, xi. 143-148; 

unavailable against God's ab- 
solute decrees, xi. 307-314. 
Promised Land. iii. 531 ; xii. 172. 
Prophets (Hebrew), xii. 243. 
Proserpine (stolen by Dis), iv. 

269-272 ; Proserpina, ix. 396. 
Proteus, iii. 604. 
Punic coast, v. 340. 
Pygmies, i. 575 ; Pygmean race, i 

780. 
Python, X. 531; Pythian vale, x. 

530 ; Pythian fields, ii. 530. 

Quiloa (in Africa), xi. 399. 

Rabba, i. 397. 

Rainbow, its first appearance after 
the Flood, xi. 864-v%7 ; the sign 
of God's covenant, xi. 895-901. 

Raphael (the angel), his descent 
to Paradise, v. 247-292 ; his re- 
lation to Adam of the revolt of 
Satan, v. 563-913 and Book 
vi. ; of the Creation, Rook vii; 
further discourse, Rook viii ; 
advice to Adam at parting, and 
ascent to Heaven, viii. 630-653. 

Reason, the chief faculty of the 
soul, V. 102; the being of the 
soul, V. 486-490 ; not wanting 
in the inferior creaturas, viii 
374; made right, ix. 352-356; 



408 



INDEX. 



dwells with liberty, xii. 83-85, 

97-101. 
Repentance, an effect of grace, ill. 

185- rJO; xi. 1-8, 14-47; ac- 

ceptcil, iii. 191-197 ; of Adam 

and Eve, x. 1097-1104. 
Reprobation, state of, iii. 198-202. 
Reptiles and insects, tlieir crea- 
tion described, vii. 475-498. 
Resurrection of Messiah, xii. 420- 

423. 
Rhea (mother of Jove), 1. 513; 

(stepd.ime of Bacchus), iv. 279. 
Rhene (Rhine), 1. 353. 
Rhodope, vh. 35. 
Rimmon (represented as one of 

Satan's foUowers), i. 467. 
RoQie, where eloquence flourished, 

ix. 671. 
Russian foe, x. 431 ; Ksar, xi. 394. 

Sabean (5dors, iv. 162. 

J?.t.vation by faith, xii. 447-450. 

Simarchand, xi. 389. 

Samoed shore, x. 696. 

Samos, V. 265. 

Samson, ix. 1059-1062. 

Sarra (Tyre), xi. 243. 

Satan (prince of the fallen angels), 

why .so called, i. 81 ; ii. 629 ; x. 

386 ; described, i. 193-196, 589- 

605; on the Tree of Life, iv. 

194-201 ; at the ear of Eve, iv. 

800. 
Satisfaction, required for man, iii. 

210-212 ; offered, iii. 236 ; paid, 

xii. 415-419. 
Saturn (father of Jove), i. 512, 

519 ; X. 583. 
Scriptures, written records, xii. 

513. 
Scipio, the height of Rome, ix. 

510. 
gcylla, ii. 660. 
Seasons, their changes an effect of 

the Fall, x. 649-678. 
Sechem (Sichem), xii. 136. 
Seleucia, iv. 212. 
Senir, xii. 146. 
Sennaar (Shinar), plain of, iii. 467 ; 

xii. 41. 
Seon's realm, i. 409. 
Serapis (an Egyptian god), i. 720. 
Berhonian bog. ii. 592. 
Bericana, iii. 438. 
^rpent found and entered by 

Siitan, ix. 180-190. 



Serraliona (Sierra Leone), x. 70& 
Shield, Satan's described, i. 284> 

291 ; vi. 255. 
Sibma, i. 410. 
Siloa's brook, i. 11. 
Sin (daughter of Satan) described^ 

ii. 650-659. 
Sinai (Mount), i. 7 ; xii. 227. 
Sirocco and Libecchio (winds), x 

706. 
Sittim, i. 413. 
Sodom, i. 503 ; x. 562. 
Sofiila, thought Ophir, xi. 400. 
Solomon, his idolatry, i. 401, 444- 

446 ; builds the Temple, xii. 332- 

334. 
Spartan Twins (the sign Gemini) 

X. 674. 
Spear, Satan's described, i. 292- 

29r3 ; IthuriePs. iv. 810. 
Spirit of God given, to the Apos 

ties, xii. 497-502 ; to aU be 

lievers, xii. 519. 
Standard, Satan's described, i 

533-539 ; heavenly standards, t 

588-594. 
Stars, their course, iv. 661-664 ; 

part of the fourth day's crea- 
tion, vii. 356-369 ; their dunce. 

V. 178, 620-627 ; viii. 125. 
Styx (a river of Hell), i.239 ; ii. 

577 ; iii. 14. 
Sun, its brightne.'^s, iii. 591-597 ; 

apostrophized by Satan, iv. 32- 

41 ; its creation described, vii. 

354-363. 
Susa. X. 308. 
Sword, of Michael, ii. 294 ; vi. 

250, 320-325 ; xi. 247 ; at th€ 

gate of Paradise, xi. 118-122: 

xii. 592, 632-636. 
Sylvanus, iv. 707. 

Tabernacle described, xii. 246- 
257. 

Tantalus, ii. 614. 

Tarsus, i. 200. 

Tartar, iii. 432 ; x. 431. 

Ta-tarus, ii. 858 ; vi. 54 ; Tarta- 
rean sulphur, ii. 69. 

Tauris, x. 436. 

Taurus (the sign), i. 769 ; x. 673. 

Telassar, iv. 214. 

Temirs throne, xi. 389. 

Temperance, the effect of it long 
life, xi. 530-535. 

Temple, built by Solomon, xii 



INDEX. 



409 



881 ; destroyed, xii. 340 ; rebuilt 

xii. 348- a30. 
teneride, iv. 987. 
remate and Tidore, ii. 639. 
Thanimuz (repie.<ented as one of 

Satau's followers), i. 446-452. 
Thamyris, iii. 3o. 
Thebes (Grecian), i. 57S ; Egyp- 
tian, V. 2<4. 
Themis (goddess), xi. 14. 
Thyestean banquet, x. 688. 
Tigris, ix. 71. 
Tiresias and Phineus, prophets 

old, iii. 33. 
Titan, i. 510 : Titanian, i. 198. 
Tobias, Tobit's Son, iv. 170 ; v. 

222. 
Tophet, i. 404. 
Trebisond, i. 584. 
Tree of Knowledge and Tree of 

Life, their situation, iv. 210- 

222 ; the former described by 

Satan, ix. 575-580. 
Trinacriau shore, ii. 661. 
Triton, river, iv. 276. 
Troy wall, ix. 16. 
Trumpet (heavenly), vi. 202-204; 

xi. 73-77 ; xii. 229. 
Turkish crescent, x. 434. 
Turnus, ix. 17. 
Tuscan artist (Galileo), 1. 288. 
Typhoean r;ige, ii. 539. 
Typhon, i. 199. 
Tyranny, its necessity no excuse, 

xu. 90-96. 

Dlysses (Odysseus), ii. 1019; ix 

19. 
DrofChaldEca vi. 130 



Urania addressed, vii. 1 .31. 
Uriel (regent of the sun) des( ribeJ, 

iii. 022-628 ; his oftice, iii. 045- 

653 ; descends to Paradise, iv. 

555. 
Urini, vi. 761. 

Uther's son (King Arthur), i. 580. 
Uzziel (one of the angelic guard in 

Paradise), iv. 782. 

Valdarno, i. 290. 
Vallonibrosa, i. 303. 
Yertumnus, ix. 395- 
Virtue with loss of freedom de- 
generates, xi. 798-807. 

Wars, the first described, xi. 638- 
659. 

Wife, her happiness, iv. 635-640 ; 
her safety, ix. 267-269 ; her 
duty, xi. 290-292. 

Wisdom, the prime, viii. 192- 
194 , the sum of it. xii. 561-.576. 

Woman, tru loveliness in, ix. 
232-234 ; her artificial accom- 
plishments, xi. 614-620. 

Xerxes, his bridge over the llel 
lespont, X. 307-311. 

Youth, described ns assumed by 
Satan, iii. 6?.a-641. 

Zephon, Lis ;'aswer to Satan, iv. 

834-846 
Zephvrus, ». xO; Zephyr, iv. 329; 

X. 705. 
Zophiel (s .'jujrub), vi. 636 



